Welcome to "Man with two dogs" - the family website for dog owners and dog walkers.

THUMBING LIFTS seems less common than it was a decade ago, but I stopped in response to the persuasive appeal of the walker passing the Friockheim road end.

“MACBETH SHALL never vanquish'd be until/ great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill/ shall come against him €¦ €¦” from  Macbeth', the Scottish play, the play whose name cannot be spoken, by Will Shakespeare.

RISING EARLY means I see the early bird catching the worm. Inka is still at the puppy equivalent of potty training and I have to let him out at some unearthly times. Afterwards I usually make a cup of tea for us both – the Doyenne and me, that is – and watch the early morning activity.

RISING EARLY means I see the early bird catching the worm. Inka is still at the puppy equivalent of potty training and I have to let him out at some unearthly times. Afterwards I usually make a cup of tea for us both – the Doyenne and me, that is – and watch the early morning activity.

MAKING CONNECTIONS has proved to be a rewarding part of writing this weekly column.