Adventure is out there!

So Missy got some very exciting news at the end of last week:

She's officially an Explorer for DogFuriendly.com! What does that mean? She gets to share her adventures on a bigger platform and we can spread the word of all the awesome dog friendly places we have been to and think you should go to too. I was really impressed with the selection process that had us fill in an online application form and then, after being shortlisted, write a listing for the site. For once the dogs are being chosen because they will do well in the role, not because of Pedigree. 

So, with that in mind, I'm hoping it will refocus the blog which has become a bit of a place for my meandering thoughts and commentary on life.

This weekend was a flying visit up north to visit the in-laws. I'm not sure if it's a man thing, or if my close proximity to my mother somewhat negates the desire, but sometimes all my hubby wants to do is go back home to his old nest and be pampered a little. I certainly agree it's nice to relax and not be guilt tripped by laundry needing washed or paperwork needing filing, so we happily packed the car and made the journey. 

My in-laws certainly enjoy us visiting and they take being grand-paw-rents seriously having already organised the weekend dog walk intinery. It wasn't just for Missys benefit, Ruby, now 8 months old, is at the terrible twos stage, and will steal shoes and hats out of sheer petulance if she doesn't feel she's getting enough attention. I think they appreciated a bit of a break as we played with the puppy and Missy snuggled with them on the sofa! 

We started our new role as Explorers with a revisit to Crathes Castle. It's a National Trust site and, whilst dogs are not permitted into the buildings, they are more than rewarded with a beautiful woodland walk. The worst of the boggy areas have boardwalks, but it's not the easiest terrain underfoot - which is exactly what Missy likes best! Both she and Ruby tore around, noses to ground, looking for rabbits and mice and thoroughly exhausted themselves. 

For the humans, they have just erected wooden carvings of native animals; we found an otter, a squirrel, a kingfisher and a beautiful heron dotted about the route. 

We finished with hot chocolate and cakes from the cafe which we discovered was dog friendly. We stayed out in the courtyard though, both In-laws didn't feel Ruby could be trusted yet in a nice indoor space. Perhaps next time. 

We celebrated Burns that evening with a truly Scottish dish: fish suppers and mushy peas! Forget haggis, we went for the real deal, at least by 21st Century standards. 

My MIL loves crafts so we managed to fit some time in to get on with that. I haven't quite finished the piece I started, but will hopefully have the embellishments finished soon. I did however get the chance to show her what I had done with an Xmas present she had gotten me:

An art form in progress for sure, but I was pleased with how these turned out - they are a mix of soy and Beeswax, hence the creamy colour. 

Well, I will leave things there for now, Missy is snoring away and those jobs I put aside for the weekend won't wait any longer. No rest for the wicked!