Levelling up in the Festive Season

It's been a busy week. Between the pre-Christmas rush at work to get projects closed, getting jobs done about the house, and trying to see friends and family before the big day, we haven't really stopped.

The week started well with Missy receiving her secret santa gift (organised by Dog Furiendly), and she got a really cute collar. Over the Xmas/new year period we're planning on doing a big move about with the rooms of the house working from home is now a default status these days, and sharing my space with the guest room is proving problematic. The few times we've had guests recently result in me working in the living room and the budgies getting relocated to the media room. (The budgies are slowly getting there, Fry will join me at my desk on occasion!) 

So it's time for a change and a reshuffle, and when you do one big job, you may as well do it all, so we're levelling up on life skills by teaching hubby to lay carpets and trying a new way to hang wall paper.

Oh how exciting life is! 

We also installed a fence this weekend, which was the last garden job of the year. It's cheap and cheerful and the intention is to use it to grow a hedge on in the spring, so it's all we need! 

We managed to get the mini family Xmas organised Saturday night, and also saw old friends Sunday night, so we're well and truly worn out from the festivities! A good weekend, but I am looking forward to a quiet few days to recharge the batteries for the main event next weekend! 

A New Christmas Jumper

This weekend has been a long overdue quiet one. We got the house tidied and all the odd jobs out the way. It's a low key set up this Christmas - we're planning on using the time between Christmas and New year to get some long overdue DIY done, so it's jusg the window and a few festive ornaments. 

Which, really, is how Missy prefers it - our little Scrooge is quite happy to let the nonsense pass us all by. 

It wasn't all work and no play though - I got us all matching jumpers and, with a bit of upcycling wizardry, had a kids one adjusted for Missy. 

Next years Christmas card is going to be epic. 

Missy got to debut her new glad rags on our second shot at a Lead the Way walk, this time a Christmas themed one around Arthur's Seat. 

Despite very good ticket sales, it wasn't a very big turnout. I suspect anxiety on the new Covid strain is to blame, but nonetheless, we still had a good time with those who did come along. Missy made some new friends and we had an all girl pack hanging out together. 

Our hour walk turned into an hour and a half and Missy is worn out from all the attention. Not a bad way to finish a quiet weekend. 

Until next time! 

A Festive Weekend

This weekend was the annual visit from the in-laws to do all the Christmassy bits unique to the capital. It was a funny one this year, it was the first time Hubby could commit to joining in everything, so when we booked I was super excited for it. Then the omicron strain appeared and I was quite hesitant about crowds again. And then Storm Arwen hit which, whilst it only destroyed one fence for us, meant the In laws had no power for four days, it only coming back on on the Tuesday before they arrived the Thursday. 

Honestly, I was shocked that they didn't cancel. But on Thursday they arrived, the campervan laden down with gifts like Santa's sleigh. The gifts joined the ones in my office, which now looks more like a grotto than any sensible place to work! 

Talking of work, I had Ruby join me on Friday and she was pleasantly well behaved, at least, until her mum and dad came back when she went off like a rocket.

Ruby and Maisie have a lot in common! 

Friday evening was the Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle. We had previously tried to attend this back in 2019, but it had been cancelled due to bad weather, so we were pleased to actually attend this year.

It was very pretty, and very quiet in terms of people. We mooched about and watched the projections and really took our time with it, which was lovely. 

Our plans of dinner in the market were scrapped as we walked past the heaving cabins and food trucks. Not only was there no limit on numbers, there was no masks or checks for tests/passports. Another time, perhaps. 

We went to the Teasses Estate Christmas Market on the Saturday. This was to be our doggy day and there were plans to enjoy the market and then walk the dogs on the grounds. 

Then the snow came. 

We made an executive decision to bail once it started to lie and, by the time we were home, I noticed on thier Instagram that they had had to close for the snow. 

We finished the evening cuddled on the sofa with the dogs and watched the new Aardman short, "Robin Robin". 

The perfect way to get back into the Christmas spirit. 

Lastly was the Christmas lights at Edinburgh Zoo. I was a bit worried about this one as I adored the lanterns of previous years. Whilst it fell short of the craftsmanship and artestry you can only achieve with physical objects, it was whimsical and quaint enough that I fell in love with it anyway.

I did have a small world moment when my brother in law rang me (normally a sign that there's an emergency) :

BIL: It's not a bad time, is it? 

Me: I'm at the zoo, doing the lights-

BIL: NO WAY!? 

Me: Where are you?! 

BIL: We're at the zoo too! 

Me: NO WAY!

So we did a dash over, said hi, got a selfie and then legged it back to the In Laws. A really fun moment to add icing to the Christmas cake, as such. 

Then it was Monday. Back to work and away went the in laws. Too quick a weekend! Missy is absolutely beat from all the excitement:

On a final Christmas note, the llamageddon is continuing:

I gave my no-prob-llama counterpart a sneak peak and she absolutely fell in love with it. After my initial, no, it's mine, Mwhahaha moment, I decided that actually, yes, it does deserve to be loved all year round in a himalayan themed craft room. 

So after it graces my window this year, it's going to make its way south to my sisters to retire in splendid glory, surrounded by crates of bright wool and fleeces. A fitting place for it! 

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! 

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! 

Festival Fever

...

... 

But not, like, an actual fever, or new cough or any such plague related thoughts. 

At last, the moment we were all waiting for, Missys most important date in the doggy year: Dogfest North.

So, back in times of early unlock, when the thought of normality will still far from grasp, Dog Furiendly asked for volunteers for all the Dogfests. Deprived of any semblance of freedom, I immediately volunteered for both days of Dogfest North and retrospectively checked if people would be available to see that week.

The day of Dogfest had arrived. I'd done it. Survived a week with the In laws (no hardship really, I'm quite lucky on that front!), managed to avoid concussion on the flumes (I may have belly flopped and smacked my face off one when excitedly racing the hubby, but all good, and no black eye!), Missy was devoid of injury and her arthritis was nowhere to be seen. We were ready. 

A group chat had been put together for us Explorers and, being told that my job today was to get content and enjoy it, I was almost vibrating with excitement (or possibly with the lack of sleep from excitement and copious amounts of tea). Missy had her game face on and we strutted through those big gates like we owned the place. 

... 

... 

Until I basically fell onto every dog visible for hugs and kisses. It took an hour for hubby to gently stear me to the Dog Furiendly stand as I excitedly ran off to grab another freebie, or cuddle another dog, or take Missys picture. She was on form - I've previously mentioned that she's never forced to do anything she doesn't want to, and that includes photos. You can tell when she's excited for the training (which is how she sees photos), and when she's too tired for it.

Saying that, we did make sure she got plenty of time to rest!

After the trek to the stall, I was signed into Dog Furiendlys Instagram and told to get photos and videos and share the excitement. Which would have been easy had the 4G not died a slow and horrible death owing to all ththe people sharing photos on thier Instagrams! Still, challenge accepted.

We did the Big Dog Walk (the 2km route, Missy had a long day ahead of her), and went round pimping Dog Furiendly to anyone who asked about the tshirt I had on, and made lots of conversations with the stall holders and other dog owners. 

There was really too much going on to see everything, which isn't a bad thing, really. Ironically the Manchester Police Dogs was the only thing I'd bookmarked as a must do, and it was cancelled after they were called put on a job. Best excuse really, perhaps next year! 

Knowing that we were being joined with family for day 2 we didn't do the fun dog shows or have a try events. At 8, Missy needs to be made to pace herself, she hasn't quite figured out yet that she's getting old. We did however enter her in for Scruffts Golden Oldie.

For those not in the know, Scruffts is the only category in Crufts that allows mongrels to compete (outside of dance/agility etc). In order to get into the shortlist for Crufts, you have to win one of the many heats going on through the year. I didn't expect to do well, seeing as Missy is often mistaken as a younger dog, so we just entered for funzies. 

So I was legitimately shocked at this:

Second! With her own legitimate kennel club ribbon!

Its getting framed, the print is already in the post.

So that wrapped up day 1. And we were all beat. Early nights all round (after Missy got a big well deserved treat, of course). 

Day 2 started with an Explorer meet up. It was nice to finally meet some of the crew who I've been collaborating with over the last 2 years (I became an Explorer just before lockdown hit).

My sister and her family joined us, as did the in laws. I wasn't sure how Ruby would be, but I was mistaken in my concern, it being my FIL who was most overwhelmed at the experience. 

This time we did DogFest as a more normal event - there was tombolas (my neice and nephew are clearly lucky charms, they walked away with teddies and t shirts and all sorts of things!). We also tried Loveliest Lady (a dalmatian was "spot on" and won, but I got to meet Michaela Strachan (Missy tried to sway her with cuddles, but alas, it was to no avail) so was pleased with that. My inner 10 year old was in absolute joy. 

Most of the "have a go" things are too high impact for Missy these days - whilst she could have easily managed the hay bale race, I'm wanting to preserve her knees as best I can. Still, my neice took Missy round the obedience ring (we had a great deal, she gave Missy the treats and I said the commands) and Missy even walked onead for her beautifully around the last part of the ring. Missy is still learning new tricks, adapting to the neices and nephews whims as they grow.

We did try for Scruffts again (prettiest bitch) but didn't place. I was still on cloud nine from our previous success, so honestly didn't mind. A German shepherd cross won, which I had to agree was a beautiful dog, so I didn't mind. 

After that, everyone was absolutely knackered. Between the shock of the crowds, the unexpectedly nice weather, the good company and being on feet all day, we said our final goodbyes and went separate ways. I would have liked to have seen more of my neice and nephew, but between our action packed week, my adopted into family and school, there really wasn't time. Hopefully I'll see them again before the year is out!

Would I Dogfest again? Absolutely! 

But I need to recover from this one first!