A Scary Halloween

It's been a good Halloween this year! Last week the weather cheered up long enough for Missy to have her Halloween photoshoot (I was glad I did it early, we've mostly been out for a swim this week, awful weather!). Her Houndour costume hasn't had a proper photoshoot since it debuted in 2017 and, with Nintendo running a pokemon themed pet contest, I figured that you had to be in it to win it. 

Not that I expect to win, I just like joining in the fun! 

It's the same reason I joined in the pumpkin contest with the family! Some good entries this year from the family, and mine was this rather last minute ghostie. 

At least he looks pleased to see the trick or treaters. 

The main event on the calander this week was helping out as volunteer zombies for Foam Dart Thunders Terminal Infection event. We've done a few of the events before with them as players and, after seeing a call for zombie helpers, I couldn't resist. I did have a panic moment just before the event that perhaps my hubby would rather have played than volunteered (the running joke being that we have tried and failed for years to do the event - we could never secure tickets and, when we finally did, covid came along!). My fears were put aside after our zombie training when he was enthusiastically trying to come up with a costume idea.

On the day itself, we arrived early, got suited and booted, had some very nice prosthetic wounds put on and anxiously awaited. I was concerned I was going to be a rubbish zombie - I felt my lurching pace looked more comedic than frightening and I just couldn't make an undead groan more sinister than a wheeze.

To warm up, a "volunteer" took a zombie put to show everyone and, at the last moment before they returned them to our little room, they attacked and we all dragged them into our room. We were officially zombies.

I quickly found my niche. Watching the other, more experienced, zombies, I realised that they were very much thier own kind of zombie. From one pacing in circles like a cat to one contorting on the floor like an extra from the ring, we could do more than the basic shuffle and grown. I spied my first victim, too engrossed in shooting someone to spot me, lumbered over (drag, thud, drag, thud) then a quick lunge and a hiss.

I have never been more pleased with myself at scaring a child. Then a couple of the adults. And then we started ganging up on our victims. Tremendous good fun. Between games we discussed tactics and how to be the most bothersome that we could and genuinely had an amazing time. 

The clocks kindly went back for us this morning. It was a late night and, being absolutely fueled on sugar and caffeine, we didn't get to sleep until even later. Hubby had lost his voice and was very sore and stiff. 

I dont drink, but I'm fairly certain despite 4 bottles of water and 3 cans of coke, I was hungover this morning. We decided that we all deserved celebratory pancakes from Stack and Still - Halloween style. 

I asked hubby what he thought of the event and was pleasantly surprised when, unprompted, he said he wanted to be a zombie again for the next one. His reasoning being that we play the same games in the other venues, so he wasn't really missing out being a zombie. I'm rather pleased to hear that as that was my thinking too! 

We were booked on for a #leadtheway walk at Cramond (being hosted by the person who attended ours) and, after watching hubby lose his train of thought for the sixth time over pancakes, I told him to sit it out and I'd go myself. 

Missy was pleased for the excursion and, despite the fading light, we made it to the island and back. 

I am feeling it now. My zombie lurch has caught up to me and so a well deserved bath is being run! 

An excellent way to finish a horrifyingly fabulous weekend! 

An Introduction on How to Not Chase Squirrels

It's been a busy little week (as always, I suppose!). Between Missy slowly getting back to health and having one of hubby's cousins stopping over for a few days, there hasn't been much in the way of free time for exploring.

Cousin lives in Cambridge, and was visiting the in laws last week, so used us as a stopover to break the journey back down. Apart from a random visit 3 years ago, hubby hadn't really had a chance to hang out with his cousin since our wedding, so we were more than happy to put him and his girlfriend up. 

Unfortunately owing to hosting duties, hubby wasn't able to join Missy and I as we went to continue her education and attended a Prey Drive Seminar (or, as I preferred to call it, an Introduction in How to Not Chase Squirrels). This was meant to have been held almost 2 years ago prior to lockdown, and has been rescheduled twice in the meantime, so it was aobg anticipated event. To be honest, I had thought of cancelling our space as Missy had calmed down a lot recently.

Then she injured herself two weeks ago in a poorly executed murder spree. 

To be fair, I had thought she had calmed down a lot. Then after her injury, I did the maths and realised that, including small rodents like mice, Missy was close to an average of a kill a month. More so really since her paws were sorted out with her new meds. (I feel so guilty that it was such an easy fix in the end, those paws, it just took too long for the right vet to join the dots up on her allergies.) 

Nonetheless. I sat her down and explained that she needed to listen and try the exercises. On a serious note, it was very informative and very interesting. I won't go into too much detail but we concluded that for Missy, the reward of hunting was the catching part. We discussed ways to fulfil that reward that didn't result in the demise of small animals, and behaviours to practice to avoid her getting into the position where she could hunt. Being sneaky, opportunistic and very, very, clever, we have our work cut out, but it's nice to have some new tools to try rather than clumsily shouting and grabbing at her.

That's really us for the week. It was a long day for Missy, and we are still being mindful of that paw, so tomorrows plans of visiting friends to exchange birthday gifts will be about it for her (on top of normal walks, of course!)

I did squeeze in a Halloween photo shoot, but I'll save those for next week! 

The Painting of a Good Weekend

It's been another busy run of things; between virtual meet ups, pre Halloween Spooky get togethers and the theatre (Woman in Black, 10/10 would recommend), we had to call Saturday a quiet morning. There was more get togethers planned: the cinema that evening and then my mother the Sunday, but we just had to pause. 

Missy has been on quite strict rest and short lead walks, so by Saturday had clearly begun to get frustrated. Deciding on a longer (but still on lead) walk, we made the most of the nice weather and Sunday provided the perfect solution: a dog friendly day out.

For my mums birthday I had organised to take her to Glasgow where we would meet up with her sister and go ceramic painting. My aunt is very artistic - my childhood bedroom was covered in murals she had painted from 101 Dalmatians, so the venue was a good choice. And, whilst not artistic, my mother loves to make a story out of a day, and to be able to show off the end point of the story is always a win (her house is full of odd little knick knacks she's proudly made). The day went off to a bad start however when my aunt pulled out owing to food poisoning.

The weather didn't help my mood as my mum, quite upset, broke the news. To her, the main point of the day was getting to see her sister and the painting was a fun bonus to get everyone out and doing something. I suggested we could detour and visit my aunt for half an hour (she was sick, it would be imposing to stay longer), and then do the painting.

Once in from the morning walk (read swim), I popped Missy in her new bathrobe and tried her new buster collar on her as we had to nip out to the shops to buy in a special dinner. 

The delightful sea of pink (above) was enough to brighten my spirits. I hadn't realised just how much pink she has - I think I might have a problem!

My mum arrived at 11.30 and we were on our way at 12, getting to my aunts for 1pm as promised. There was hugs and I handed out cupcakes (the best cure when feeling weak and poorly) and some small talk before my mum was given her presents. My aunt lamented several times about how unwell she had been and how much she had wanted to go (she was meant to be going back to mums to start a week long tour of the Edinburgh family). After promises from my mum to come visit later in the week if my aunt felt better, we headed to the ceramics.

On the drive we discussed our painting plans and both had a laugh when we realised we both wanted to paint the pets. Once we arrived at the Craft Pottery, I asked mum to scope out the available things to paint and was surprised to see her return with one small plate and a medium one for me (it was the last on the shelf). 

This would not do.

I took the plates, returned to the shelf and, spotting a pretty platter, picked up two. Showing one and grinning, I declared I was having the platter, and, unless she really wanted the plate, she should have one too. 

The smile was instant from her. A story had now begun.

I have a trait inherited from my mother whereby, if I'm going to do something, I'll do my darned best. I don't care if I win or what I'm doing is the best, so long as I have tried and done my best. That perfectly describes my mother painting that platter. Every aspect was discussed seriously, from the flower colours to the cats placement. And she painted the whole thing. I have a steadier hand, so helped with a few lines, but the bulk of it was her efforts. 

The distraction was perfect as she cheerfully laughed and showed off each addition to the platter.

Not a bad effort for an hour and a half! 

Although I think Missy would have been more impressed with a dog bowl...!

Once back, hubby had made us dinner and let mum tell her embellished story of the day. She was delighted at the curryvursts and German fried potatoes, and proceeded to tell us all about the food she ate as an army wife before she left to avoid driving in the dark.

Not a bad save on the day. It was just what Missy needed, something mentally stimulating for her, and she's now dozing happily. And my mum clearly needed it too. In a few weeks we'll be able to pick the peices up and she'll have the final part of her story. And something she hopefully looks on and smiles at, which I know I'll be doing with mine. 

A not-so-Big Dog Walk

 So.... This happened.

Someone was trying for a hat trick of murder this month (one squirrel and one bunny so far, she's clearly offended at being considered an "oldie") and managed to tear her dew claw. Saturday was therefore an anxious write off as we first waited to get to the vets, and then waited for her to be sedated and have the claw cleaned up. Once she was home we cancelled all plans and decided that what she needed was a good cuddle on the sofa bed and to watch a corny monster movie.

(Our October tradition has become a "spoopy movie month" whereby we watch all the kids horrors and the old monster movies. We're on a spree of Ray Harryhousen films after going to the exhibition last week at the Modern Art Gallery, so it was the third Sinbad film we watched).

We were left with a conundrum in the evening on Saturday; we had tickets for the Big Dog Walk Glasgow the following day. We were going on Explorer duties, it was the last social doggy event on the calendar and, even if we wanted to give the tickets away, there was no one who could have made it on the short notice. In my excitement leading up to the day, I'd bought Missy a new collar for the occasion (not the new spotty collar above, but the new tartan one below) and we were all pretty bummed out about it.

We decided on a compromise. Weather was to be fair, that was the most important bit, if it was to be wet it would have been a no-go. Firstly, we'd see how she was in the morning. If all good, then we'd go to the event, do part of the 2km walk (she does need walking, just isn't allowed much), rest a bit, let her bat her eyelashes for biscuits from the stall holders, rest a little more, and see how she was doing before deciding on doing the fun dog show or not. It was as solid a plan as we could come up with.

This morning she was bright eyed and waggy tailed for us getting up. She didn't seem in pain, the nail looked great (I put a new dressing on it to be safe), and she was super excited for breakfast. On went the new collar, and off we went.

We arrived, got our goody bags, and went for the 9.30am walk. Truth be told, Missy wanted to go further (and much faster) than we did. She made friends with a Weimaraner puppy and tried to instigate play a few times but we quickly stopped that. Got back, had a cup of tea and Missy went into full charm offensive mode. After nearly eating out two separate stalls of all their treats, we ended up buying her a new drying coat and some nice boredom busting treat toys for during the week, which I feel will be needed. We sat down again and had some brunch and decided to give the dog show a go.

The show was a bit chaotic as everyone went into the ring at once and you put your hand up for the category you wanted to do. It was a last minute addition to the event (being announced 2 days ago that it was a thing that was going to happen), and it showed a bit. Best Rescue was the last category called and, whilst Missy enjoyed the judges attention, and we were flattered that they decided all the rescues should get a prize bandana, it was time to call it a day.

Missy making friends with the Judge

Its a bit weird to be home from an event before lunchtime, but Missy is the priority. She's dozing away quite happily, I've changed her dressing (everything looks great), and I think we managed it so that we all had a nice day. I'd like to revisit Chatelherault Country Park once Missy is better - the little we saw of it made it look like a nice day out.

This event was much smaller than DogFest (its the same people that run it), and honestly, was smaller than most dog day shows we've done before. Its a start though, I'd love a full sized DogFest closer to home, so fingers crossed for the future. 

In sewing news, this months Sew Darn Sweet sewing subscription box was Halloween themed. I felt these little applique gift bags would make excellent host gifts for our friends (one is hosting a games night next week and the other a movie night tonight) - I've put some sweets and chocolates in them, so they're bound to go down well!

The Christmas sewing is going well. Shant say much more except that one of the gifts would really be more fitting for this month but I dont want to spoil the surprise - you know who you are!

I imagine the next few weeks will be relatively quiet in terms of adventures, we're just going to take things easy and let Missy dictate the pace. Ironically, one thing we do have booked is a Prey Drive Seminar later this month, so Missy has been well warned that she needs to pay attention!

Some Time off to Recover

After the chaos of last week, we decided to use the remaining time booked off to recharge the batteries and get some jobs done in the house.

It's still spring cleaning, even in October, right? 

Despite the more laid back plans, adventures must still be had. Blackness Castle seemed a good idea now its open again - although we did laugh at the fact that we've seen plenty of the castle this year with our Bo'ness to Blackness walks! It's a favourite of ours; oddly quirky with its boat shape, a grim dungeon and, in times before plague, lots of events (sadly, I think it will be some time before they host the seige again).

This was the moment that hit us with the difference between Scotland and Englands restrictions. After a week of being the odd ones out in our face masks (even in places like Beamish which asked for masks to be worn indoors, no one except the tourists seemed to be donning them), we were grilled about our health and then reminded 3 times to wear masks in inside areas. Not a problem for us, it just came as a surprise to compare the difference!

From there we did the favourite walks for the week and tried to avoid the sudden bad weather. 

The poor weather was looming on me a bit. Yesterday was our first shot at leading a group walk as Explorers at the UFO walk. One person messaged me to say they couldn't make it as the dog had an injury and that was fine. As we stood in the pouring rain however, I just knew my worst fear had come true: No one was gonna show. Everyone who parked up we queried if they were for the walk and we were either ignored or politely declined.

At 20 past the hour, just as I had given up, a car pulled in and out popped a gigantic fluffy German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound.

"Dog Furiendly...?" I asked whilst getting kisses. 

"yes! Thank god you haven't left yet - I got lost coming in." 

One person and two dogs, fine, i could do that. Hubby and I gave them a personal tour of the area, including the UFO site, the Law and some rambling in the fields. Missy made firm new friends - how else does one cement their friendship without ganging up on a squirrel? I will confess to a moment of panic when said squirrel fell out of the tree and nearly landed on the dogs! Thankfully in the chaos it got back up the tree and was fine. 

Our guest turned out to be another Explorer, which was cool (we're secretly everywhere!). We bounced ideas for other walks in locations that may be more appealing to people (we're thinking of trying again on a Christmas walk at Arthur's Seat). The hour walk turned into two since all the dogs were happy together and then we headed home.

So, it could have been better, but I think we all still had a good time! 

Lastly, whilst there has been much sewing, it's the Christmas gifts that have been started on, which I won't share here. I'm feeling very autumnal today, the gloves and wooly hats are out and the garden is almost entirely put yo bed. Except for this glorious pumpkin, which I am very pleased with!

Now, do I eat it, or carve it? 

Until next time!