Ernest has been a joy

I managed to get out with Ernest yesterday for the last day of the shooting season. He has done five shoots, and has proven to be a lovely steady little flushing spaniel. He has been a joy to take out.  As it was also "Beaters day", (which is where anyone who beats wants to shoot gets a free days shooting, a thank you from the family we all beat for), it was a long day, doing seven drives, and bitterly cold. To cold to worry about getting photos of the day. We only stopped on our feet for ten minutes for a cup of soup and slice of pork pie at lunchtime due to the cold. Ernest along with his daughter, Teagol done the whole day on their feet for seven hours. We were all ready to get back for supper, when the whistle went up at the end of the last drive. So a good rub down with a towel for Teagol and Ernest back at the car, a drink of water, and a bowl of food each. Tucked them up in the crate in the back of the car with a couple of thermal duvets, and left them to settle, and have a well earned nap, whilst me and the four of our children that were also beating and one shooting went in for supper with the rest of the shooters and beaters.  We all slept well last night.