Work, children and puppies

The summer holidays always bring a mix of emotions. A strange mixture of time away on vacation and sitting around keeping the house ticking over while the older kids worry about impending exam results.

This summer Ally (20) and Amy (18) are both working hard to save some cash for University next year. Peter (14) has found a new lease of independence and spends most of his time in Edinburgh with his friends ( constant cash handouts!) Poor little Anna is only child left and shes wondering why the house is so quiet-so am I to be honest. I look forward to dinner time when the house reverts back to a shambolic mess.

However, the house may be reasonably quiet but a my Labrador puppy called Poppy - I know - Poppy the puppy , ridiculous - is doing what puppies are supposed to do, chewing, chewing and more chewing.

Who wants a quiet life? Not me.......