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Good morning, Rusty!
(well, it's nearly afternoon!)
It is fine , dull but surprisingly mild here!
We are just back from the vets.........now for the latest report........the dog has been given the all-clear and "signed off"!
Definitely no cancer; the persistent inflammation of the left anal gland has partially subsided, but she will have to continue with the anti-inflammatory medication for another few days.
The stitches hadn't all dissolved , so the vet removed them manually.
I asked whether the affected gland should be surgically removed , as it seems that the swelling may never go completely, the gland lining having "thickened".
But I was told that this would be inadvisable unless there became a serious problem - as the anal gland is too near to the sphincter muscle to be removed with any guarantee not to cause muscle damage . Damage to the sphincter muscle might cause incontinence.
So it's carry on as normal but keep a watching brief.
Ok, I can do that.......
I bought a paper on the way home so that I can do the crosswords - - my friend is away on holiday (again!) so no screen shots!
At least this means that I get to do the 15x 15, too!
What are you up to today?

Hi Elle,

This is good news about the pup; now I can see that removal of the gland could create more problems, so best leaving it well alone.
I'm sure you keep a keen eye on your dog anyway, particularly since you brush her everyday etc...

Surprising mild here too, but dull as well.

Pigale,
That is good you saw our vigil!
Yes, the Caird Hall looks well.
We try our best!

Hi, Pigale!
Thank you for your concern for the dog - it is much appreciated!

Our 'fine but dull' day has degenerated into heavy rain!
I was just about to go out...but might put it on hold for a while.....

One more crossword to do......

Hello, Elle!
Good news about doggie.
I agree with vet. Best leave well alone!
Remember you have schools to vet, too!
I have just given myself a haircut.
Got the scissors out and got stuck in!
I had a longish dander earlier, up to the park and nature trail.
Home for the day now.
I am going to watch a bit of the England v France game this evening, not for the football, but to see the French singing their anthem, which I think is very moving anyway. Probably my favourite anthem!
It will be an "occasion", if you like.
The crossword should provide a good challenge for you.
I have not looked at it yet.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, indeed, great news about the dog! And I'm glad that she doesn't need further surgery, keeping an eye on the situation sounds a much safer option!

So how much hair did you cut off? Are you "scalped" or just "less shaggy" now?
It beats me how you can see to do the back of your head?
Do you use TWO mirrors - for a periscopic effect?
(or just "hack" wildly??!)

You obviously got your walk in at the right time - it's been raining here ever since we came back from the vets! but as the dog's stitches are out now, I think she and I shall venture forth........ rain or no rain......
Did you see any horseriders on the Nature Trail?

I have made a start on the Times 15x15, but will try to finish it later......
(I shall do a "MacArthur"!)

Hello, Elle,
Weather is getting bad here.
The arrival of Barney?
No, I just had a bit of a vigorous trim!
It would never pass as a professional job!
In a few days it will look fair to middling!
I do not see the back of my head. I go by "feel".
I had the Nature Trail to myself. It is usually the weekend when the horses are on the trail.
I have finished crossword. There were two words new to me in it.
The first Syrian refugees landed at Glasgow Airport earlier today.
Some numpty had a banner greeting them saying,

"Scotland,
You Are Welcome To It."

Only in Glasgow!

Getting rather windy here too Rusty - and yet I live more or less in the centre of France, far from any coastlines ! I have just closed my shutters and actually had to use muscle power to fight the wind !

I might fly away and land on your doorstep !!!

Hello, Pigale!
The wind is rising here, too.
A night for the fire, I think.
I think tomorrow is the start of the Super Deals on Amazon, if it interests you, Pigale, and it ends on Black Friday.
I think I will have a browse tomorrow!

Hi, Rusty!
Is your Road Bridge being closed again?
On the contrary , our weather has improved! The rain stopped - enabling us to get out without being soaked - and although it was very breezy earlier in the day, for now the wind has dropped.
I was thinking about what you said yesterday about Australian athletes...... Fabrice Lapierre , the Aussie long jumper, was fairly dominant in recent competitions. but other than him, no, I cannot think of anyone else?
Of course, Sally Pearson was injured so it will be next season before we hear anything of her.
That wasn't a very nice welcome at Glasgow airport for the refugees! They must be wondering if it's "out of the frying pan, into the fire"!
I have decided to record the film "Life Of Pi" (on at 9pm tonight) and watch it later, after I have finished reading the book (I'm halfway through it)
Fingers crossed the two will correlate....
Enjoy the football!