Views from the favourite chair

One of those interminable property programmes said, "lie on your back in a cluttered room to see the size of the room by looking at the ceiling."

Well, far be it from me to comment on the clutter in my home, since most of it is created by me and my counterpart, Finnegan the Otterhound, as well as an insurmountable quantity of books. But quite honestly, have you heard of anything more undignified (or indeed unhygienic) than lying on your back on a stranger's floor to look at their ceiling? Goodness knows what's on that floor (although I do sit on the floor of the Tube from time to time ...).

But at home it's another matter, so I considered this viewpoint from my favourite chair. But I am unconvinced. Doesn't it defeat life's purpose to remove the clutter and stare at the cornices? Let's enjoy the clutter and revel in the detail. Give me the floor any day.

Favourite Chair

Every dog should have a favourite chair. Here's mine. It has quite a history. I've knocked my teddy bear over a little in this photo though, but otherwise this bear is a good and comfortable chair buddy. As long as Finnegan the Otterhound doesn't eat him!

Finnegan is just a baby though. I presume that spending enough time with me he will grow into the picture of social etiquette that I am. Although we had a long walk today he has now woken up and is ready to play again with his squeaky ball and orange toy (his favourite - it used to be Roman the Cat's, then I inherited it, and now Finnegan has appropriated it ... I guess that's 21st-century recycling isn't it).

Anyway, despite his irritating adolescence (that's optimistic) he is still rather a lot of fun and I do love having someone to run with in the park whenever I please. In fact, I like him so much, I even let him sit in my favourite chair ... from time to time.

Every dog should have a favourite chair.