Not sure what to make of being upgraded to 5 stars – my “front-of house” role should really be appreciated even more than it is. Perhaps I should be on a better diet. Maurice is so slow sometimes when I try to drop the hint about the boring food from the Co-op. There are one or two flavours that I tire of very quickly. I know it winds him up terribly when I refuse to eat the offerings. He doesn't know what I have been eating or how some neighbours like me too!!

Maurice and Ruth seem to be very pleased with their new status as 5 star. It does reward all the hard work they have put in here over the last 4 years to welcome people to Berwick-upon-Tweed. They have been out changing the signs, but I noticed that their web-site still has a 4 star logo! Honestly, you just can't get the staff these days! Anyway, if it brings in more guests then I will have even more knees to choose from in the drawing room.

The season is really in full swing now, we seem to have been full all month. Had to get my “jab” recently which was a bit of a shock when Maurice grabbed me and hauled me off to the vet. Bit nerve-racking with all those strange dogs and cats coming and going. Have to go back for the follow-up soon too. Mixed feelings about that, but nice to have the protection. Overheard comments about the expense of it all, but I know they love me really and value my contribution to this establishment. By the way, there is a photo of me also on the web-site (www.oldvicarageberwick.co.uk) if you look at the one showing car parking – that's me on the right walking up the drive towards the photographer. I knew something was going on and wanted to be in the picture! There's room for 5 cars off-road and easy parking outside as well – but I really don't like cars, which I may tell you about some other time.

Bye for now – Findlay xx