A Crazy Fortnight

So... Last weekend we went on an impulse trip to Disneyland Paris. Hubby used to work for the company and it was a last hurrah for a bunch of our Disney friends - with 2 weeks notice it was a lot of planning but we pulled it off and had a great time.

Missy was boarded with our dog walker and we appreciated the daily photos - no matter how much fun your having, you'll always miss them!

So that was a 6am flight the Saturday, and got home 11pm Monday, up 6am for work Tuesday. Needless to say, we've been knackered this week! Missy has very much enjoyed being home and having us back, lots of cuddles, which I'll never complain about! 

This weekend brought snow, and marked the festive turn over in the house. The window is still a work in progress, I decided last minute I wanted a new wreath, and we got the presents down and wrapped, so my office looks like Santa's grotto! 

Today was a get together with a good friend. It was one of those catch ups where you walk and talk and, realise your suddenly hungry, so stop to eat and talk and then you end up back at the car wondering how on earth its 3pm and its now getting dark. 

I didn't forget about Missy in all the gossip, she feels the cold these days so was wrapped up warm, and I brought her little dressing gown to dry off and warm up in whilst in the cafe. I've long embraced being the crazy dog parent, so my friends laughter at Missys 3 outfit changes (coat, dressing gown and harness au natural in the car) was water off a ducks back.

A short post today, hopefully we'll get to enjoy the festive weather a little longer now we're all a bit more rested for it!

Babies in Birkenhead

Its been another busy little week for us! We've started to venture out of our comfort zones a little and managed to get out and see a live music gig on Wednesday. At first I was pretty uncomfortable about the number of people, not in a "not covid safe way", just in a "I'm indoors and why is there people standing by me" kinda way, but I quickly eased into it and, whilst Hayseed Dixie is not to everyones taste, we had an excellent time.

Then came the mad dash weekend. 

Although, yes, covid tests first thing in the morning before setting off, just in case. All negative, so good to go. 

My Wirral based friend had her baby boy in August, and we wanted to go and see "Bear" (I love official nicknames, they make my life so much easier when writing about adventures!) before he was out of the newborn phase. After booking the weekend with them, we held off until the last moment to organise specific plans - I have 6 neices and nephews (some by genetics, others through the deepest friendships) so I knew there was no point in making grand plans as Bears nap schedule could change at any moment.

And yes, for those wondering, Bear is neice/nephew no 7. I didn't ask or hint, he was handed to us with the grand introduction of Aunty and Uncle. We're both very happy to have been bestowed the honour of the title.

Friday evening was the meet and greet and Saturday we went out for lunch at the Woodside Ferry Village. There was a bit of a squeeze getting us all in the car (thiers was down with engine trouble), but we arrived safe and sound and, being the one holding Ren, absolutely covered in dog hair. The hug was worth every single strand! We arrived to find a Christmas Market and excitedly ordered some very nice Japanese food. Missy and Ren are thick as thieves - they paired up on the sad eyes and Missy conducted lessons on her Hard Stare(tm). 

I bought a reflective poppy for Missys collar from the market (as if she needs more poppies, but I'm always happy to help the Poppy Legion) and the new parents bought a little fox baby grow. Bear was too little to meet Father Christmas, so Ren and Missy got to meet him instead.

Then it was back to theirs for boardgames and dinner and the most delightful homemade Biscoff slices I've ever had. A great wee day, and whilst (for us) very chill, it was nice to take things down a notch or two and just catch up.

This morning we hit the road early. But not after properly exploring Birkenhead Park. This Disneyland for dogs was less than 5 minutes from our Airbnb and, whilst we did walk it Saturday, we used Sunday to give it a proper explore. But why Doggy Disneyland? The squirrels. The sheer volume of squirrels.

Missy completely disregarded her days training on how to not chase them, and spent a solid hour stalking, sneaking on, dashing after and full on chasing the things. We instantly realised these squirrels had it sussed as Missy failed to get anywhere near them. I'm sure every dog in the Wirral must chase them as they executed perfectly planned escapes at great leisure. And not just the squirrels, the ducks and pigeons too:

An excellent way to burn beans before the big drive home. 

And that was it! Although, of course there was a sewing gift:

I couldn't find a small enough waistcoat pattern, so got some baby grows and just went for it. I'm sure these will be much easier than buttoning up a real one!

That's all for now, time for some well deserved tea and a biscoff slice... 

Seven Lochs Wetland Park

Another busy little weekend! We hosted a long overdue Murder Mystery on Saturday which, between last minute charity shop hunting for a tweed jacket and giving the whole house a deep clean, took over the whole day. It was well worth the effort though and we now have 2 more friends converted.

After much humming and hawing, I studied the COP26 site and determined that there would be no demonstrations and a trip to Glasgow would be safe to pick up our wonderful pottery from a few weeks back. I then had a look at walks near to the area of Glasgow I had to visit and spotted the Seven Lochs Wetland Park.

My mum arrived at mine early with a collar my older sister had bought for Missy. It's not as random as it sounds, it being a poppy collar for Remembrance Day. 

It's unusual to see Missy out of the trademark pink, but she does rather suit the blue. The Seven Lochs Wetland provided a beautiful backdrop for some lovely photos of Missy!

The park itself was easy to find, parking was a bit tight but we found a space and the place was huge. My mother loved the paved paths best though as we spent an hour mooching about and exploring the little side paths. With all the recent rain I had been worried we'd need wellies, but the paths and weather held out for us as we strolled in the Autumnal scenery.

This week I've been busier than one of Father Christmas' elfs sewing and stitching, but I've been enjoying the challenge! I have quite a list to still work through, but I think I'm more than halfway through it! 

However, for now I'm going to take a moment and admire by lovely plate alongside my mums. She did try very hard to sneak off with both, but I held firm to Missys!