We don’t favourites in our house when it comes to bassets.  Oh alright we do. We have a favourite big basset and a favourite little basset and that about covers off all the favourite types of bassets there can be.

Each has their own big or little personality. Fortnum has the greatest ability to get his face to tell a tale and Mason is the greatest house terrorist sniffing out anything there is to be claimed as his own.

With his higher levels of EQ Fortnum was not happy today.  Although it’s fair to say that we were all a bit sad. MT has flown off on an exciting adventure back to the UK to see family and friends and be at his brother’s wedding.

We’re pleased he’s going ‘cos he’s going to have fun, go shopping, drink real warm beer and listen to Radio 4 live.  He’ll buy a newspaper (or maybe several) that have got something worth reading and be able to enjoy the historical landmarks and institutions that living in the new world just doesn’t have.

But the packing for this adventure brought home the fact MT was going away and we weren’t.  But never fear we have an action packed time planned.  So busy in fact we’ll probably have to take a break from live reporting here in Domestic Executive HQ.  But then we might squeeze in a post or two.

The bassets were introduced to the concept of packing, suitcases and a strange habit of lots of extra treats like someone was thinking he wasn’t going to do it for a while.  Now the treat giver has gone Fortnum and Mason seem as happy as ever to be stuck with me.

They certainly know how to give plenty of love back when you’re feeling that ever so slightly lonely at the prospect of a 10 days away from your dearly beloved. I hope he didn’t forget my shopping list I put by his bag.  That wouldn’t have been clever would it?

Here’s some photos to remind MT how Fortnum felt about him going away

You’re going to get inside this?  No didn’t think so, there wouldn’t be room for both of us!

Are you doing what she said you should?  Tuck those socks in the shoes to save space and get more presents in for her.

Hang on, we need a scratch break!

Typical.  I’m getting some last minute attention and my brother Mason has to come in and spoil it.  Yes, it’s a suitcase.  No he’s not getting in it. And, no you can’t either because if anyone is going with him it’s me.  But I get claustrophobia so 28 hours in that thing might be a bit much.  Maybe if I hug him long enough he’ll change his mind!

I know, if I lay on his legs he’ll not be able to move.  That will do it.

Oh OK, that didn’t work.  I’ll try the hug strategy again.

You’ll stop him going won’t you?  I’ll give you a kiss if you do!

You won’t!  That’s just plain selfish.  Just because you’ve put in an order for new undies from Marks and Spencer.  I want a cuddle to make up for that.

Hmm, seems all my tactics have failed.  Although I do see he’s put a note on the fridge of all the treats we’re to have everyday he’s away.  I can see sausages is mentioned a few times.  We don’t normally get that every day, perhaps him going away won’t be so bad after all.  Maybe. Maybe not.