Super weekend here at Casa Moke. No 1 Son arrived last Thursday to be swiftly followed by one of my oldest friends GF – who had made her way to the north from her home in the beautiful city of Exeter – on Friday. Good timing too because I had just received my first delivery of tester products from Sainsburys and needed some (un)willing victims erm … tasters to try a couple out with me.
Glad to say both meals – mild vegetable curry and minestrone soup – were a success. Truth be told the curry mix got top marks with No1 Son and I thoroughly enjoying yomping it down while, due to the fact I need new specs and concentration levels, the minestrone soup mix turned into a wholesome lentil stew as I threw in far more of the mix than I should have done. Nonetheless with the aid of a glass of red and crusty baguette the soup/stew was very tasty and filling and went down nutritiously well.
As you can see it was certainly substantial! It turned out to be the perfect meal after a day in the lakes.
Back in a time when cars were a rarity and we were school girls GF and I used to visit the Lakes to stay with my Aunty May. As eager teenagers we found the best means to get around the amazing landscape of Cumbria was …drumroll please …. the 555 bus. And guess what, it still is!
Yesterday we clambered aboard the 555 bought our Explorer tickets (£12 for a full days travel in the Lakes) and set off for Keswick. At almost two hours door to quirky dog-loving Lakeland town it might seem to some a rather long journey but the bus passes through the most stunning scenery and the trip is an absolute stress free pleasure. Without the worry of driving we could enjoy the glorious views from our top deck seats unabated.
I have visited Keswick many times and talked about it in this here blog including describing a trip to see one of the ‘Herstory’ exhibitions at Keswick’s friendly museum https://itllbereet.com/2018/01/31/bussing-it-two-visit-herstory/. Here is a little reminder of the scenery that surrounds the town.
There is always something new to see. And this time for me it was Max the Miracle Dog.
Keswick is the most dog friendly town I have ever visited so it should be no surprise that they have this wonderful bronze – put up in summer of 2021 – to celebrate a local furry hero.
During lockdown English Springer Spaniel Max and his four legged buddies Paddy and (Prince) Harry brought comfort and hope to people across the world. These wonderful dogs did what dogs do best, enjoy life. Millions followed their outdoor adventures around their home town of Keswick and in recognition of Max’s ability to bring solace to so many animal welfare charity the PDSA awarded Max the Order of Merit, the first time a pet has ever been given this highly esteemed award.
Sadly (I have just discovered) Max died only a few days ago on 6 April. His Instagram obituary reads ‘Our beautiful Max fell asleep in Manesty Woods today with Paddy and Harry, his two adoring brothers overseeing his onward journey.’ I hope he is chasing celestial butterflies on heavenly Lakeland fells.
To find out more about this outstanding dog and his buddies please have a look at Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maxoutinthelakedistrict_/. On that note there is nothing better that I can do but leave you with a dog that gave so many heart when they most needed it. Max may you rest in happiness.
Mx
It'll Be Reet 
Thank you. We just tripped over it really. I recalled that the springer spaniels were famous on YouTube but didn’t know about the award and statue for Max. It was shocking to write the blog and as I checked everything out at the end find he had died so recently. For similar reasons I don’t have a dog anymore but like you miss having one.
It’s nice to read about women’s rights being showcased at the Keswick Museum. In America now, our Supreme Court stands ready to make abortion illegal raising great protest about equal treatment of women now.
We had a great year of visiting most of Cumbria’s museums visiting the Herstory exhibitions. We loved the women climbers highlighted at Keswick especially as they climbed mountains in full long skirts and hats. Reminded me of the comment about Ginger Rogers that she did the same as Fred Astaire but in heels and backwards. The US Supreme Court on the other hand seems on the brink of denigrating women. What a sad time for herstory.
Yes it seems the wrong time for such a callous decision. Come to think of it did Ginger Roger’s get the same credit for her fabulous dancing as Fred Astaire?
Not sure she did … definitely a theme in herstory. M
Dog is the one of the best friend of human being from early time they understand us very much. Well shared . Max rest in peace!