Gail has pointed out that my recent tour 'down south' amounted to an eleven day socialisation boot camp. I clocked up a long list of notable 'firsts' - see below for a list of the top ten - and am pleased (and Gail is mightily relieved) to report that I graduated with flying colours and a self-awarded grade of 90% Nice Nobby*.
First nights in a hotel (Buccleuch Arms in Moffat and later the Dalesgate near Ilkley)
First time in England (as far south as Leicestershire)
First nights staying with Gail's friends (Janet, then YAM-Aunty)
First time in a cafe with another dog present (several cafés actually)
First train journey (seven minutes, Beeston to Nottingham)
First meetings with Gail's relatives (Gail's brother, sister-in-law, niece and cousin)
First male lap to sit on (Janet's friend Steve in Nottingham)
First visit to a pub (The Roebuck, Utley)
First time on a car ferry (Gourock to Hunter's Quay, Dunoon)
First visit to a church to check out the water-driven organ (St Mun's Church in Kilmun: https://youtube.com/shorts/EQ9vB7VVpKw?feature=share)
*Self-assessment is the order of the day, right? Gail says 90% smacks of grade inflation. I will admit that the Ilkley Moor bog affair was a misstep..
