May 1, 2009: Who Stole Last Week?
Don't ask us where the last week has gone because we think someone stole it. It's Friday already - trials tomorrow, yippee.

We went off to the Llangadog Trial last Saturday. This is one of those trials where you have to drag yourself out of bed at some ungodly hour to arrive at the trial field in time to get an entry. Last year we arrived on the field in what we thought was good time - 7.30am - only to find we couldn't get a run until well into the 70s in the running order. This year we wised up, jumped out of bed at 5.15am and hit the trial field at 6.30am. The line was long and by 7.30am I think there was only one spot open - number 94! We must all be mad.

The Llangadog trial is well organized and a super, but tricky little trial field. A left hand outrun can suck dogs in at a line of trees about one-third of the way out, while a right hand outrun either entices dogs to run too tight to the sheep or, conversely, the dogs can kick out too wide as there is no fence to give the dogs any guidance. A good test! The sheep were quite tricky but manageable.

I (Angie) ran Meg and my new dog, Jamie. It was a bit of a risk running Jamie since we have only been working together for a month and I am still struggling to learn his set of whistles and he is learning the tone of a brass whistle (instead of fingers). Still, having a new dog is like having a box of chocolates. You've simply got to try one! The run with Jamie went OK - good outrun, lift and fetch, but mistakes by me at both cross drive gates saw us waste a lot of time and we timed out. The run with Meg was OK too. Uncharacteristically she did not run out well but after that, the run went well until once again I made stupid mistakes at the drive gates and our run was over. It was not good handling by any stretch of the imagination. Still, any day at a trial is a good day.

Kelvin ran Tina and Blade. Blade ran the better of the two making it all the way to the pen but retiring when it became obvious the sheep were not going in. Tina crossed the course on her outrun so she was retired by Kelvin. So, not a spectacular day from our household but in our own private 'competition,' Jamie won on the day.

One of the best things about the Llangadog trial is the number of 'good' handlers who make an appearance. It is a feast for the eyes and it certainly gives you an idea of the standard to which to strive. The weather wasn't quite as good as last year, and at some points it was darned cold, but when the sun did shine, there was plenty of lively conversation and many cups of tea consumed. We'll be back there next year.

Tomorrow we are off to the Erwood Trial. Karin Mattsson from Norway (the only female handler to make the final of the World Trial last year) is making an appearance so she will be quickly nabbed to autograph a few books for us. (Sorry Sam, we didn't know she was coming over or we would have got her to sign your book too). In return, we have a (unfolded) book cover for Karin so she can frame it for her wall. It is her bitch, Sammie, who is featured on the cover so we thought this might be a nice gift for Karin. Monday we will be off trialling again. A tricky course at Jeff Hudd's place. Stay tuned...we hear the course is a tough one. Good!

Kelvin says to tell everyone he has broken the 100 mole mark now. In fact, he is well over 100 and quite proud of his accomplishments.

Oh, Jamie has made a couple of new friends - Tina and Rita. Luckily Jamie was on his way to a trial and not out making puppies with his two new girlfriends. Picture those pups! These two girls are right little tarts - and Jamie loves that!