tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33647113938261290512024-03-05T08:02:48.108-08:00Tony Blair- Artist RatI, the original Artist-Rat, Tony Blair, shared a house with Gordon Brown and 'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel. Sadly, I caught a cold in 2009 and that was the end of me; and Gordon and Archangel followed. Romula and Rema - lovely twin sisters - took over the Artist Rat house and blog, but now they too have come to join me in the little cemetery under the Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' tree.The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-74075650901058806822010-09-07T14:20:00.000-07:002010-09-07T14:48:51.636-07:00Moving onTime to move on. We - Archangel Gabriel, Gordon and Tony - are no more, and there are new occupants in our house, twin sisters, named Romula and Rema.<br /><br />You can follow their explots on another blog - http://romularema.blogspot.com/- and we wish them luck.<br /><br />Goodbye, my friends.The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-11931248235111191232008-10-03T01:05:00.000-07:002008-10-13T11:17:19.710-07:00End of an Era<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHED-BofdJQPuMl3AW19tGHO2trG4RDR7NJpmOjiqgyID23fzEbQK9AcH_uwl-Xp_9Usl0PIv_a9JkLTzswzHEDtU9Zyaaip91YGaflVyuHAy-PVr16G7P9TPwPlDZXCl7J_2O-ES5JVk/s1600-h/IMG_0714.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHED-BofdJQPuMl3AW19tGHO2trG4RDR7NJpmOjiqgyID23fzEbQK9AcH_uwl-Xp_9Usl0PIv_a9JkLTzswzHEDtU9Zyaaip91YGaflVyuHAy-PVr16G7P9TPwPlDZXCl7J_2O-ES5JVk/s320/IMG_0714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256703757860227522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >Gordon left his burdensome body on Wednesday. It presently lies on a fresh bed of wood chip, soon to join that of Tonys and my own, under the acacia tree. Helena shows signs of sadness, for herself, though I suspect she feels relief for Gordon.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" > I'm happy that he's now with me.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);font-family:arial;" >Our food dishes sit stacked on the kitchen window sill and our water bottle is drying in the dish rack. Our house is empty and the bags of food, wood chip and bedding stand next to it. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" >I'm curious as to what will happen to them.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-size:85%;" >Archangel Gabriel A.K.A. Shy Boy (Deceased), on behalf of Gordon Brown (Deceased) and Tony Blair (Deceased)</span>.</span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-32905337568585520782008-09-30T13:52:00.000-07:002008-09-30T14:12:55.509-07:00Wings of a Dove<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >Gordon hasn't left his bedroom for two days now, so that's where Helena's been placing his food and he's had a decent appetite. Even polished off a dish of yoghurt and some pine nuts today. However, I do feel that he will be joining me very shortly. He's not moving at all now. Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on him</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > I'm looking forward to being in his company again.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >Archangel Garbiel A.K.A. Shy Boy (Deceased), on behalf of Gordon and in memory of Tony</span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-30356703703354480102008-09-28T12:30:00.000-07:002008-09-28T12:34:39.913-07:00Nothing much to report<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Helena collected me from Claudia and Paul's some days ago. Nothing much to report. Back here the same. Business as usual. </span><br /></span> <span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br />Night all. x</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: arial;">Gordon Brown, in memory of Shy Boy and Tony Blair</span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-15799724513662682502008-09-11T11:34:00.000-07:002008-09-11T12:25:36.633-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGYAIbDmEmkBjF-UWzEsp9s32JOB8eox-mk2RKN5s8advg7SI_eC8Vs7nzvaJOl1B_ihN_l4rt3mIO8FhtzITFdqPhaEEbVeOvPd25XPwez_69rjhLHGAHKenGeNieYDGzPj-cpimhLdi/s1600-h/IMG_0298.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGYAIbDmEmkBjF-UWzEsp9s32JOB8eox-mk2RKN5s8advg7SI_eC8Vs7nzvaJOl1B_ihN_l4rt3mIO8FhtzITFdqPhaEEbVeOvPd25XPwez_69rjhLHGAHKenGeNieYDGzPj-cpimhLdi/s320/IMG_0298.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244834610174191314" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Helena buried my body today, alongside Tony's, under the </span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:arial;" class="genus" >Robinia</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:arial;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:arial;" class="specific_epithet" >pseudoacacia</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:arial;" > '</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" class="cultivar_name" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Frisia'. It should feed the tree quite nicely.</span><br /><br />Gordon seems fine. Helena's been trying to get him to come out of himself a bit, but as ever, he shows no interest in socialising.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Helena seems fine. Busy, as usual. She's been packing, so I suspect Gordon will soon be taking occupation of our holiday home. I wonder who he'll be staying with...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:85%;" >Shy Boy (Archangel Gabriel) on behalf of Gordon and in memory of Tony.</span><br /></span></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-15939318236628442982008-09-10T12:04:00.000-07:002008-09-10T12:14:17.350-07:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >So I'm back to being alone again. Pity, I'd rather grown to like the young chap. He'd calmed down a lot and had become quite agreeable company. I'd enjoyed snuggling up with him and preening him. Hmmm... </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >Helena's been giving me more attention than is the norm, but this really isn't necessary. I'm quite content with my own company. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >I took a brief wander around the house, but nothing doing. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >Hmm. I miss him, Shy Boy. I do. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >Pity<br /><br />Gordon Brown, In memory of Shy Boy and Tony.<br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-32027496929472823822008-09-09T01:43:00.000-07:002008-09-09T02:10:00.399-07:00<span style="font-family:arial;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil_OI1qajhExvVFCSql3ePhzMhS13fMEojIwX47OtNwFD57_HpS6VnNPOGKliCwQyf2eitEBP7ma0CxGRUOfwSobsx2sS5y-WtgDFLsYvbdJhaQgVVou1zFDrPXYwDmVaPggttTMpw0dj/s1600-h/IMG_0259.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil_OI1qajhExvVFCSql3ePhzMhS13fMEojIwX47OtNwFD57_HpS6VnNPOGKliCwQyf2eitEBP7ma0CxGRUOfwSobsx2sS5y-WtgDFLsYvbdJhaQgVVou1zFDrPXYwDmVaPggttTMpw0dj/s320/IMG_0259.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243940128453930002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I now live with Gordon and Helena in memory alone.<br /><br />I passed away this morning; Helena was with me, as she had been throughout the night.<br /><br />It's good to be free of that ailing body.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Shy Boy (Archangel Gabriel), on behalf of Gordon, in memory of Tony.</span> </span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-7809488209812501322008-09-01T00:19:00.000-07:002008-09-01T05:22:03.691-07:00<span style="font-family:arial;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W2fjklah7pT4bsPyjW5SvuAtbJxEG1v_legTSnx87rX7cucLCdVlbCt_V_2XAogRJaxcSOP4nUcT9_C2FAbNaXyAxbdEYPEJbaVqcAKh753gtqBeYTz08-HHXGWabMVqSEhP7ZMo8Gdb/s1600-h/IMG_0205.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W2fjklah7pT4bsPyjW5SvuAtbJxEG1v_legTSnx87rX7cucLCdVlbCt_V_2XAogRJaxcSOP4nUcT9_C2FAbNaXyAxbdEYPEJbaVqcAKh753gtqBeYTz08-HHXGWabMVqSEhP7ZMo8Gdb/s320/IMG_0205.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240949421029545458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-family:arial;" >Helena was busy house cleaning, so I thought that I would assist her. Yes, that's what I was doing, by keeping out of her way. Then, when she began to use the big, noisy vessel, which she moved across the floor, I pulled aside some carrier bags, which were in her path (and surrounded myself with them so as to create a sound barrier). I was disappointed to learn that this did not have the desired effect, so I then left the room, feeling I had helped Helena enough.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:85%;" >Shy Boy on behalf of Gordon, in memory of Tony</span><br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-89410277212974507392008-08-28T05:44:00.000-07:002008-08-28T05:51:09.995-07:00I admit...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2Tog3g7CCvOdb7eDZ-O1K2pOUijVDoW8qqsU0U8OTihCsbe9jjBHX9Z2lDLH2V96w1e5wKWP7gRQjYn-0zQOkEQpKJNdhJ-L9-dS9_zd_rI45XlfOpKhiGYSFf1AFSkumwt8ckjyC5ky/s1600-h/IMG_0200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2Tog3g7CCvOdb7eDZ-O1K2pOUijVDoW8qqsU0U8OTihCsbe9jjBHX9Z2lDLH2V96w1e5wKWP7gRQjYn-0zQOkEQpKJNdhJ-L9-dS9_zd_rI45XlfOpKhiGYSFf1AFSkumwt8ckjyC5ky/s320/IMG_0200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239548655070791954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-family:arial;" > ...that I do have something of a passion for handbags. I delight in nibbling on their handles and, more recently, in sleeping on them. <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Last night I enjoyed snuggling up against a black, leather Furla affair and this morning a Betty Barclay number.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">I'm sure this isn't difficult to understand.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Shy Boy, instead of and in memory of Gordon and Tony</span></span><br /></span></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-6829541676724151562008-08-21T15:00:00.000-07:002008-08-21T15:18:19.275-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eC8JuKYNuoUtzE8leHjEihzK1oe6hhSFdGkIQ3EL3dIJGyDFRVhohb2eXp919LqnmX8NmhSP3mQ5aWvDlt5i6WSTH9fKddQvvNXmEimEDhp9Itbnrdegbrxb-9BWN97oOtEq_k1ZFXwq/s1600-h/IMG_0125.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eC8JuKYNuoUtzE8leHjEihzK1oe6hhSFdGkIQ3EL3dIJGyDFRVhohb2eXp919LqnmX8NmhSP3mQ5aWvDlt5i6WSTH9fKddQvvNXmEimEDhp9Itbnrdegbrxb-9BWN97oOtEq_k1ZFXwq/s320/IMG_0125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237098835835545538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >This creative stuff isn't really my thing. I know that Tony liked to run through clay, but it's not for me. No. I'm out of here.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Shy Boy, on behalf of Gordon and in memory of Tony.</span><br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-81050100057908222442008-08-21T14:35:00.000-07:002008-08-21T15:08:13.553-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uoncgOaDaxtPY0KL_SEWy8bheAVvGUIs3BjDyyPPEZW1dobnegupl-WiI8VxIwpIBBXNNU75yLXtFa__XiuKTbzd2fL77fhdyP_f1JU8BP63Z0x0mgQARoRJjTfLHEjORnI60lRzXfdd/s1600-h/IMG_0091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uoncgOaDaxtPY0KL_SEWy8bheAVvGUIs3BjDyyPPEZW1dobnegupl-WiI8VxIwpIBBXNNU75yLXtFa__XiuKTbzd2fL77fhdyP_f1JU8BP63Z0x0mgQARoRJjTfLHEjORnI60lRzXfdd/s320/IMG_0091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237087961980826946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Why wouldn't I be relaxed? I was submerged in a soft, feather pillow and enjoying the sound of Helena's voice as she talked on the phone. I was stroked without pause and in H-E-A-V-E-N. I sensed a concern for my health, but no, I was just very, very relaxed.<br /><br /><br />Relaxed boy Shy Boy, on behalf of no-one and in memory of no-one. Sorry Tone.<br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-59497018099942830432008-08-14T00:29:00.000-07:002008-08-14T00:38:33.754-07:00<span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday evening I lay in my second most favorite spot, under the sofa.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Helena was working on the floor with some papers and I took time out to go over to her for a cuddle. Jonathan was on the computer and I was tempted to nip his toes, but reconsidered. The thick tennis socks looked inviting, but ....something told me not to do it. I guess I sensed a tension in the air and all eyes on me. <br /><br /><br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-43345735570272825532008-08-08T14:46:00.000-07:002008-08-08T15:24:32.054-07:00Squeaky Clean<span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday I spent a short time sitting in my favorite spot on the landing, overlooking the staircase, and in the evening we had pasta with bacon.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today Gordon and I were given a wet wash. I don't think that Gordon enjoyed it particularly, but he seemed to take to being towel dried. Personally I enjoyed the massaging motion and my fur seemed much softer after the experience. </span> We were then given a dish of pine nuts. Yummy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This evening I sat in my favorite spot again and I stayed there for some time. I liked it when Helena stroked me every time she passed. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Tonight we had rice and grapes with our yoghurt. I think I'll save the grapes for later.<br /><br />Shy Boy (Archangel Gabriel)<br />In memory of Tony<br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-4216373105820970172008-08-04T14:42:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:27.241-08:00Home Sweet Home<div style="text-align: left;"><a style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7iNj4YmqlLFTsD6q4dz9tMkXEQY5a3ko7obj92JaCgOlkpERY9wU5IU0NNjxteH2X0i5oeNtWCqv9yG9ZJBY0xq5cFCU75XqAwVJR2NljMCDyMaWijZOExjHW5OOJ-LSuf9k9TwF1hv/s1600-h/IMG_8150.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">We seem to have been living in our mobile home for a loooooooooong time now and while it's been an absolute treat to spend time with Auntie Joyce and Claudia and Paul, it's great to return to our house and spread out a bit. </span></a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7iNj4YmqlLFTsD6q4dz9tMkXEQY5a3ko7obj92JaCgOlkpERY9wU5IU0NNjxteH2X0i5oeNtWCqv9yG9ZJBY0xq5cFCU75XqAwVJR2NljMCDyMaWijZOExjHW5OOJ-LSuf9k9TwF1hv/s1600-h/IMG_8150.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I had some fun with Paul earlier today when he pulled me round the kichen floor on an oven glove. </span></a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7iNj4YmqlLFTsD6q4dz9tMkXEQY5a3ko7obj92JaCgOlkpERY9wU5IU0NNjxteH2X0i5oeNtWCqv9yG9ZJBY0xq5cFCU75XqAwVJR2NljMCDyMaWijZOExjHW5OOJ-LSuf9k9TwF1hv/s1600-h/IMG_8150.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">This evening Helena took us on a tour of the city to see some of the sights. Can't say I was particularly interested, I just wanted to get home to some yoghut and honey. Sorry Helena. </span></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >Gordon is chipper and enjoying the bumper bundle of shredded paper in our bed. I've enjoyed the sweetcorn and plan to save the grapes for later.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >Thank you Auntie Joyce, Claudia and Paul.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >Shy Boy (and Gordon).</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7iNj4YmqlLFTsD6q4dz9tMkXEQY5a3ko7obj92JaCgOlkpERY9wU5IU0NNjxteH2X0i5oeNtWCqv9yG9ZJBY0xq5cFCU75XqAwVJR2NljMCDyMaWijZOExjHW5OOJ-LSuf9k9TwF1hv/s1600-h/IMG_8150.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7iNj4YmqlLFTsD6q4dz9tMkXEQY5a3ko7obj92JaCgOlkpERY9wU5IU0NNjxteH2X0i5oeNtWCqv9yG9ZJBY0xq5cFCU75XqAwVJR2NljMCDyMaWijZOExjHW5OOJ-LSuf9k9TwF1hv/s320/IMG_8150.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230781462875715330" border="0" /></a></div>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-74693358966612449992008-07-15T13:30:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:27.433-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpH1AsOb0MqOfkNopVyXnHgt95YnPsZS2o8GSHujz3ZfAuyRKQL5P0gqlGEj23xiDFxwSOlPE5peo8Wknria6EU1MjM6nmtPqcYL-n0JZWWvQcFgDq3QYWKVqK2MkZ424lGGYWn0obeyX/s1600-h/IMG_7799.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpH1AsOb0MqOfkNopVyXnHgt95YnPsZS2o8GSHujz3ZfAuyRKQL5P0gqlGEj23xiDFxwSOlPE5peo8Wknria6EU1MjM6nmtPqcYL-n0JZWWvQcFgDq3QYWKVqK2MkZ424lGGYWn0obeyX/s320/IMG_7799.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223341167652743666" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >Today we returned home after a long time away. The beginning and end of this period was very noisy and there was much rocking.<br /><br />I'm happy to experience quietness and stability again, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >however I do have fond memories of resting with Helena, on a large red sofa, in a warm and very light room.<br /><br />Shy Boy<br />Because Gordon hasn't and Tony can't.<br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-50058685494771007122008-07-07T12:11:00.000-07:002008-07-07T12:37:37.332-07:00Thank you Autie Joyce for looking after us<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">A brief visit to familiar territory was made at the weekend when we traveled in our holiday home to Auntie Joyce's. Sadly, this was the first time Tony was not with us. Helena allowed us to take our cardboard tube and Gordon and I spent most of our time in it, head to head. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">The holiday home means that we had one our rare encounters with pine wood cat litter, in addition to what has now become our regular bedding of fine quality, shredded paper, courtesy of the Co-operative Bank. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">We've stayed in our holiday home till this afternoon. I was able to watch Helena at work this morning. In fact, I can see her now. I wonder what she's doing?<br /><br />'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel<br />On behalf of Gordon Brown<br />In memory of Tony Blair<br /></span></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-54097774701927312772008-06-21T13:44:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:27.776-08:00Gordon has a new lease of life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf_L2SZKWT4eSSvUUdQAsunMk2ysE5erxVwjpaFgfKwp9cdMthRe973FJzuartlgpPxXnX14vHh9_xZ32mk3OVN3HEce9E4mHHE24T_sPvQPyvmt4jlHBwPUDMp9gxaqrU0tsN6j6gYbR/s1600-h/DSC_0146.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf_L2SZKWT4eSSvUUdQAsunMk2ysE5erxVwjpaFgfKwp9cdMthRe973FJzuartlgpPxXnX14vHh9_xZ32mk3OVN3HEce9E4mHHE24T_sPvQPyvmt4jlHBwPUDMp9gxaqrU0tsN6j6gYbR/s320/DSC_0146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214438523276682946" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" >Suddenly he's everywhere. He's up and out, first thing in the morning, when Helena delivers our yoghurt. This evening he was over by the window, checking out the cables and curtains.<br />He later joined me in the bed I'd made under the sofa. He did take time out to rest, but does seem to have had a fuel injection. I'm amazed.<br /><br />'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel<br />on behalf of Gordon Brown.<br /><br />In memory of Tony Blair<br /><br /><br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-75869938732405614322008-06-21T13:37:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:27.891-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TjMKPOTQ9e1GrOoW3O8QXU0KSw2G6hqomSn1b3e7k9AHE1a3D8zAtNWzYsJil7rRYhVpA3pAsYg9KqxFslW09FQwG_7jlOYp4kpUmWwGb54o3q3Hwxb3lBMnb2vvV3gudzO0C_VxO0rr/s1600-h/DSC_0135.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TjMKPOTQ9e1GrOoW3O8QXU0KSw2G6hqomSn1b3e7k9AHE1a3D8zAtNWzYsJil7rRYhVpA3pAsYg9KqxFslW09FQwG_7jlOYp4kpUmWwGb54o3q3Hwxb3lBMnb2vvV3gudzO0C_VxO0rr/s320/DSC_0135.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214436875189929698" border="0" /></a>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-78918124474412597592008-06-15T02:08:00.000-07:002008-06-15T02:17:42.298-07:00<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >So Gordon had a nasty cold and Helena didn't want me bothering him. I do feel that she over reacts at times when she hears him squeak. I was being playful. This is how rats interact. We don't do conversation or massage. We tussle. Anyway, after a 3-day separation we are back together again. Gordon's not snotty anymore so I might practice some of my moves on him.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >on behalf of Gordon Brown<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >In memory of Tony Blair</span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-38399929750760520232008-06-09T13:58:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:28.161-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jOKsDT0sx3nT9Xm3tIrbKJ0_Uum6GWdHgJ8mhEQ26caMoN_NPag9vvHa730iEavUydlZrvySgeKOe-n-Gto2tDgAu6Ih16cnSio1JQq53sGyn0z-KgNhM1dLcT9xFcVHiixrGFznT4CQ/s1600-h/DSC_0123.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jOKsDT0sx3nT9Xm3tIrbKJ0_Uum6GWdHgJ8mhEQ26caMoN_NPag9vvHa730iEavUydlZrvySgeKOe-n-Gto2tDgAu6Ih16cnSio1JQq53sGyn0z-KgNhM1dLcT9xFcVHiixrGFznT4CQ/s320/DSC_0123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209990879399519218" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Helena had a visitor this weekend. He made curious noises whenever I ran over him. <br /><br />Gordon's being very private.<br /><br /><br />'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel<br />In Memory of Tony Blair<br /><br /><br /></span> </span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-27776572774337134512008-05-31T14:15:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:28.352-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiIaG-pKdOLjIb5lCuQ4B13jzv5Mw6pifrQ44H39POLZMFQNm2-LEG6sjE6VJAGFqFDIxwErL5WPaps7cf7_eJ2OoHxp9Tb7idZYk4fTLDDbk_q-Rp6Oc4NbE4EBFMO2HrRUT2-K0DCOH/s1600-h/DSC_0037_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiIaG-pKdOLjIb5lCuQ4B13jzv5Mw6pifrQ44H39POLZMFQNm2-LEG6sjE6VJAGFqFDIxwErL5WPaps7cf7_eJ2OoHxp9Tb7idZYk4fTLDDbk_q-Rp6Oc4NbE4EBFMO2HrRUT2-K0DCOH/s320/DSC_0037_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206657541532635698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Shy Boy has been good to me while I've been taking things easy. He's created the swankiest bed I've ever slept in. It's made up of bubble wrap, 'Comfybed', a city council direct debit form, a packet of pine nuts and several sheets of layout paper. I think that's everything. I do admire his enthusiasm. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I had a brief wander under the sofa while Helena cleaned the house out. The bubble wrap has gone now. Pity. I wonder whether Shy Boy will find some more. Hmm....<br /><br />Yoghurt and honey time now me thinks.<br /><br />Gordon Brown<br />In memory of Tony Blair<br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-44555604195742105932008-05-05T13:28:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:28.779-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWRjlT6BJTkmF7l5W1dXvnYBStXwKroAQKMqKfXE8qKVTs7f1yOZiBTM2Or2QVO3syOTPFn07s45YsRkzkW-6itZyBvY2ywq_P5GfUXyI4JXCUZB6wOan8mPxIO1r95qjMVj9ayHXzlBz/s1600-h/DSC_0012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWRjlT6BJTkmF7l5W1dXvnYBStXwKroAQKMqKfXE8qKVTs7f1yOZiBTM2Or2QVO3syOTPFn07s45YsRkzkW-6itZyBvY2ywq_P5GfUXyI4JXCUZB6wOan8mPxIO1r95qjMVj9ayHXzlBz/s320/DSC_0012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196993869997544018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO75A-3QvoMq-6jW323VoD2aXMd1Edg_JrT4xg0-0ZUrYZxveMFwjMpcZtHgPC8iZbe-hDLLf4ow04w2AeDtG2RV7HMYc3FBz_eXNUC2wW2tixhnAnDrnJfPNvFRcTFWG-6WBe4N2N68G/s1600-h/DSC_0010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO75A-3QvoMq-6jW323VoD2aXMd1Edg_JrT4xg0-0ZUrYZxveMFwjMpcZtHgPC8iZbe-hDLLf4ow04w2AeDtG2RV7HMYc3FBz_eXNUC2wW2tixhnAnDrnJfPNvFRcTFWG-6WBe4N2N68G/s320/DSC_0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196993530695127618" border="0" /></a>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-26264687929548666232008-05-05T03:58:00.000-07:002008-11-06T18:04:29.090-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgERLFLQq3buUNyr95s3T3gjRi8mb4Q3BRv3y7L3sk9T-0_dA-s-oLaJnzvVGwKWHXRadriglsvQ1j_r1BiwzcSxgIKwZ0lhhzLa4Ebmpk6fv27TraYhLwLQkbIYl33jHB_WRgjXANycJ/s1600-h/DSC_0004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgERLFLQq3buUNyr95s3T3gjRi8mb4Q3BRv3y7L3sk9T-0_dA-s-oLaJnzvVGwKWHXRadriglsvQ1j_r1BiwzcSxgIKwZ0lhhzLa4Ebmpk6fv27TraYhLwLQkbIYl33jHB_WRgjXANycJ/s320/DSC_0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196846608453866034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Shy Boy was seriously excited yesterday when he hurried home with an enormous quantity of folded paper. He was quick to take it up to the loft and create the most delightful bedding. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">He can be very thoughtful at times.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Gordon Brown</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">In memory of Tony</span><br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-14213141048903094602008-04-27T14:50:00.000-07:002008-05-05T13:31:56.419-07:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;" >Gordon's pretty much slept through the whole of the weekend, so I thought I'd look after the blog on his behalf.<br /><br />I was given the free run of the room in which we'd been placed, as well as having the opportunity to run around the livingroom, where I got to meet Carrie and Harriet, two guinea pigs. Curious creatures. I also met Paul's brother, who has a useful pair of legs and up which I was able to climb to access the sofa.<br /><br />I do think I may have upset Claudia, when I took things a bit literally and I feasted on Feast, a book by Nigella Lawson. Hmm.<br /><br /><br />'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel<br />On behalf of Gordon,<br />In memory of Tony<br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364711393826129051.post-84654442627873995052008-04-24T15:06:00.000-07:002008-04-24T15:14:19.663-07:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >We've found ourselves back in our travel home and at Claudia and Paul's. For some reason we are in a different room to the one we normally reside in. It's a lot quieter, so that suits me. I'm resting a lot and for sure Shy Boy finds me a total bore. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >The menu this evening looks particularly inviting; avocado, sweetcorn, grapes, broccoli, our usual cereal and, of course, yoghurt and honey.<br /><br />Shy Boy is restless so I hope he has the chance of a runaround later.<br /><br />Gordon Brown<br />In memory of Tony Blair<br /><br /><br /></span>The A-Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02881400671996833536noreply@blogger.com0