Life Without Jack

You might have noticed I've been absent from the blogosphere for a little while. That's because I've had a difficult few weeks culminating in the unfortunate loss of our little dog Jack.
He was a great guy, a loyal little terrier cross who lived life head-on and brough a lot of enjoyment into our lives in the short time he was with us. Unfortunately he became suddenly very ill last week and after a hasty consultation with the vet was whisked away for emergency surgery for a blocked small intestine. It seemed the vet had saved his bacon, but unfortunately the problem had taken its toll and despite everyone's best efforts we lost him yesterday.
The house seems very quiet. The postman visits unchallenged. There's nobody trying to climb onto my laptop as I type. No reason to go for a late night walk anymore before we turn in. It's shocking just how keenly his absence has impacted our lives in so many small but significant ways, and it's reminded me of a profound truth I so often forget.
You don't realise what you've got until it's gone.
I'm glad we had the time we did with our little dog, and if there's one thing he's taught me it's this: rejoice in every relationship you have. Enjoy them, commit yourself fully and make the most of every moment of sunshine. Because to love and be loved are the most important things in life, and so often we don't realise that until it's too late.
Is there a friendship you need to patch up? A relationship you've been neglecting? Have the important people in your life become merely obstacles to be stepped around as you struggle to meet your schedule? Slow down, savour each moment and get your priorities right.
Oh yes, and always face whatever life throws at you with a wagging tail.

An Expensive Business

More revelations have emerged today about MP's expenses. The Daily Telegraph has published detailed accounts of the expenses claims of some of our top politicians with the promise of more to come, and what we already have makes interesting reading.
Several senior MPs are on record as having claimed twice for the same item or having claimed the full price for their Council Tax from which they then obtained a substantial rebate at the taxpayer's expense. Apparently these were 'mistakes' that were put right by the individuals concerned, but it makes me wonder how people we trust to manage billions of pounds of public money, our national security and our economic and social well-being can't handle such a simple matter as their own expenses claim.
It's also interesting that the mistakes were only corrected recently, which of course has nothing whatever to do with the current upsurge in public scrutiny. Other revelations include politicians switching homes so they could claim more in renovation expenses and furnishing grants. One well-known MP is said to have claimed on three different properties in one year and spent £5000 of public money on furnishings in just three months. And, of course, we can't fail to remember the outcry over the MP that claimed for two pornographic films and a new bath plug.
The most shocking thing is that when challenged over these excesses the MPs involved invariably respond "I have done nothing wrong; I haven't broken any of the rules". Perhaps not, but what about the rule of being seen to act with integrity and honesty while in a position of privilege and trust? It astounds me that our politicians are now wringing their hands over why the public has so little faith in them and wondering why they are "failing to get their message across."
Hmm. I can think of a couple of reasons.