To Southampton and a long overdue visit to Biggles-the-dog (think Bertie Wooster with floppy ears and a wet nose) and his dog-eared dog-tired faithful dogsbody manservant Julian-the-architect.

Biggles-the-dog

Biggles-the-dog

Julian-the-architect

Julian enjoys an afternoon off

There was some initial confusion as Biggles ran round in circles whilst trying to decide whether to smother your correspondent with affection or tuck in to a doggy chew. The chew won. Storyofmylife.

Happily it was Julian’s afternoon off, so we were able to enjoy a dog-free lunch at The Osborne View (complete with a view of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight – if you looked very closely) followed by the delights of Gosport and a view across the harbour to Portsmouth.