furball

Yup. I gots me a hamster. A companion, if you will. In the absence of a live-in partner, or baby, or friend within a 200-mile radius, I have to make due with a furry little rodent. I'm not nearly responsible enough for a full-size animal. No cats, no dogs, not even a rabbit. Just a tiny little hamster. A drawf, actually. A Chinese dwarf. Lovely.

It was completely spontaneous. After a gorgeous lie-in this morning, I hopped in my car and headed to Inverness for a bit of shopping. Not that I can afford new clothes, but I desparately need some. So I went to this store I've been hearing so much about and it was FAB! I got four pairs of trousers, loads of sexy black pants, and two bras, all for 50 quid. I might have gone overboard. Nah. Too bad I didn't get any tops though, as that's what I really need. Ah well.

On my way back, I swung by another shopping centre and saw the pet store and decided to have a peek. That's where I met Arnie.

Oh he's adorable! A tiny grey-brown furball. In a fashionable little cage.

They had all sorts of crazy little hamster worlds, but they were all wire and neon and not at all chic. No, no, that wouldn't do. Arnie needs a frosted blue haven, with a subdued cream food dish and grass hut. And we can't forget the big ball for him to run around in. Woo hoo!

I used to have a hamster when I was young. Golden. Best hamster ever! Actually, she was a bit dull. But she never peed on me when I held her, and that is a very noble and sophisticated thing. Golden had a big ball to run around the house in. It was great.

I hope wee Arnie is just as happy in his ball. I already put him in it while setting up his cage, but I think he was too frightened to move much, poor dear. I'll wait till he's all settled in before setting him out on another adventure.

I have no idea why I've named him Arnold.

Mmmm. New trousers. They're so grand! Cozy. What a fit! It's not often I can say that.

Richard is coming up on Wednesday, and we're going to an evening production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on the grounds of a castle! How great is that! We'll have a proper picnic on the lawn, with cheese and grapes and wine... mmmm.

I was hoping Kate would be able to come visit this weekend. I had loads planned, including a 17th century battle re-enactment at aforementioned castle. Ha ha! How hilarious would that have been? I was so very tempted to just go along myself. But alas, I had Arnie with me on the way home and couldn't stop for such frivolities. Maybe tomorrow.

Until then, I'll just sit here with my bottle of wine, staring at the furball. Fun!