It started with a dog welcoming cottage, perfectly situated on the edge of the estate of a long lost country house, with farmland and forest all around, onion scented breezes and a view of a distant castle. Shingle beaches, so different from those at home, were a short drive away and made for satisfyingly crunchy walks with the Boo. Chocolate box pretty pink thatched cottages lined the narrow lanes we explored. Hedgerows provided the richest of pickings and my first (yes, really) encounter with sloes. Grapes were admired, wines were tasted and our stocks replenished during a vineyard visit. A nearby farm provided honey and jam and the best apple juice ever tasted. Most days included a walk to the village to buy fresh baked seeded bread, Suffolk Gold cheese and crisp locally grown apples. Daily treats of giant cappuccinos, sitting in the sun at the outdoor tables of the little cafe, served with generous slices of Victoria sandwich and battenburg, and an eagerly welcomed handful of dog biscuits. Relishing the food, wine and live music at a vegetarian eatery. A final evening walk, through row upon row of sunflowers just about ripe for harvesting. A blissful week. Well, apart from the afternoon Boo decided to chase an in flight gamebird. Barking at full volume. Running at full pelt. Until he was a rust coloured blob in the distance. (He did come back. Eventually).