When Will Spring Arrive?

I had hoped we would avoid it, but alas, winter has had a good bash at us. We've had Dudley, Eunice, Franklin and Gladys swing by bringing rain, snow, hail and high winds.

Thankfully they haven't been as bad as the earlier storms, but the weather has worn us down. 

MIL popped by midweek to see her friend in town, and we all joked about being used as a B&B. It's always fun to have her round, she loves crafts so we compare current projects and coo over each others very different crafts. 

We discovered that the carvery around us allows dogs, so as a thank you for hosting, we had a wee midweek treat there. 

And then the snow came. Mils train was cancelled, but we managed to coordinate an action plan and she was home safe and on time. Not the best way to end a visit, but oh well. 

The snow brought other problems too for poor Missy. After a slip in the snow and a slight limp appearing, she has been on strict short walks on pavement. Thankfully after three days the limp is gone, but we'll be careful a bit longer, just in case.

With Missy out of action, and my local based friend recovering from a broken toe, the monthly Perth get together (well, we try for once a month!) was without Missy and very slow paced. It was still good getting to catch up with friends, but we all agreed it was strange without Missy along with us.

I then had a different friend pop round for some girl time doing some jewellery making, which went very well! Bit of a late night though... 

Today was a quick brunch with our Liverpool friends who have been doing the obligation tour with Bear, showing him off to the family. Missy came along for this one and was pleased to join us in the pub where she was much fawned over. 

And then it was over to my mums to measure up my aunt for a dress. There will be more on that later, but long story short, her son is getting married and cancer treatment has left her feeling very upset with her appearance. My first real commission and its gonna be a doozy!

And that's it! A full spectrum of weather, a real mix of get togethers and friends, and overall a good weekend.

Thank goodness for the weekdays to rest up for the next one! 

A belated Valentines

It's been a week! First Dudley, then Eunice - the weather has been all over place. Whilst Missy enjoys most weather's, high winds and driving rain are her least favourite...

Which summed up the week, with some snow for good measure!

So it's been a good week for cuddles on the sofa, puzzle games (both for Missy and us), quiet hobbies and refining the art of gauging for a break in the weather. 

The last point, I apologise profusely to Missy, I'm not very good at! 

This weekend was our date weekend. The theatre production of Bedknobs and Broomsticks was finally going ahead, meaning that the tickets I bought 9 months ago were finally going to use. Missy was pampered through the day, a lazy start with cuddles in bed, a variety of toys and puzzles to play with, and two (relatively) well timed walks. 

And yes. Bedknobs and Broomsticks was most definitely worth the wait. 

Todays walk was not so well timed. So it was day 2 of quiet games and distractions. Which I think all three of us needed. Hubby and I got to play some games that have literally been awaiting us for months, and Missy alternated between sunbathing and choosing who to cuddle next. A good weekend! 

I also finished a quick sewing project (procrastination from my main one) with this rock and roll vintage inspired thrift flip:

Thrift flip? It's another form of upcycling, changing one outfit into another. You can see the original on my Instagram post @missdaisysewing 

And that's it for now. It's National Love Your Pet Day, so I'd best get back to cuddling Missy. 

It's a hard life, honest! 

Overdue Catch ups

This weekend was a reschedule of a cancelled Christmas get together. Our friend from Dundee came down to stay with us, and then we all visited our mutual Bonnyrigg based friends.

I've previously mentioned that this is our friend with the twins who is suffering from long covid. Almost 2 years after catching the plague, he still has the same energy levels as a new born kitten, and his covid booster prior to Christmas really set him back a step. 

Because of this, we have to think outside the box a bit in how to get the most boxes ticked per visit, without him overdoing things. We decided to divide and conquer; mum and I took the kids to soft play (weather has been appalling) and we left the boys to catch up whilst Missy snoozed off her extra long morning walk. 

Once we got back, dad went for a nap, the boys played with the kids and I dashed out with Missy for her afternoon walk. On return I joined in the drawing whilst mum cooked the dinner.

Once the kids were in bed, we all chatted and had a catch up together. Board games was the only box we missed, but I think it was a very successful day from there. 

Not a lot to say from there. I have a half dozen projects lined up and in the works now after my disastrous at knitting again (turns out I have some kinda wool allergy, I absolutely do not recommend ignoring it)

My stitching is a bit slow going owing to slightly swollen knuckles and my thumb degloving, so I've been using the energy to prep things instead. In addition to the pirate map Missy was helping with at the top of the page, I'm going to try a thrift flip with a rather unloved dress that deserves a second chance!

Not a lot more to say, we've all been rather tired today and getting everything put back in order for the week ahead!

Armaments, Munitions and Pancakes

This weekend marks 8 years since Missy decided that she was going to come and live with us. I'm officially at that strange point with her were it feels like she's always been a part of my little family, but at the same time, how can it be 8 years?

Things are not as bad as last year with the plague (whilst there are still restrictions on mask wearing, we aren't in a lockdown again), but we decided against a big party for her. The main reason for this was that my sister was making a sneaky trip up north to come play nerf against some zombies in Foam Dart Thunders Terminal Infection. Owing to a covid outbreak, BIL couldn't make it, but I was still glad to see my sister and her friend.

It was a rapid fire weekend. I had taken the Friday off and spent it sewing and playing in the greenhouse tidying up the house in preparation for our guests. Once they arrived, we managed a quick dog walk before the worst of the snow and spent the evening catching up and nibbling on tea and cake.

Saturday did not go to plan. Well, Missy getting her presents went well, but it was the main part of the day that we were stumped with. We had discussed dog walk ideas. A sneaky dash to the zoo to see the sloths and pandas and...it was trying to snow. And the wind was howling. Even Missy looked affronted at the thought of a walk. Then I remembered, the Military Museum Scotland. I had messaged these guys back in the summer last year to confirm they allowed dogs and, other events, seasonal closures and general forgetfulness meant that it was still on our to-do list. 

With night time plans of battle and a war against the rising tide of the undead, it seemed very appropriate and we decided to pop along. Very much a hidden gem.

Its not a museum in the most common sense, more an eclectic collection of all things military in a space that, even after three laps of the room, we kept spotting new things. Missy was welcome to look anywhere she pleased and, whilst she wasn't keen on the mini trench, she very much enjoyed sniffing every corner and nook and cranny. We had a quick look outside at the much larger trench mock up and military vehicles before deciding that a stout cup of tea was calling and heading home.

I suspect we'll be back a few times. I saw a lot of things my dad would be interested in, and the in laws love these odd little museums too. The fact that Missy was welcome, even though she was not inclined to listen to the special exhibition on the Royal Observer Corps, is a bonus as it makes these little days out much easier.

Then it was home, dinner, relaxing and...zombies. This was our first Terminal Infection as players (last time we were volunteer zombies) and it was an absolute scream. It was really nice to be back at a nerf event and just run about and play games with people again. It was als our debut as Nerfys Law, and we got so many comments on the matching gear. My sister was certainly happy to hear well deserved praise on the knitting - we looked ridiculous, we knew it and we rocked it and it was tremendous fun. 

Definitely good for the soul. 

Despite much stretching when we got home, I still woke up stiff and sore, but a brisk walk with Missy saw that off. Sister is determined that she wants to be a zombie next time, so fingers crossed! We did have a chat with the event organisers about it and they were happy with the idea, so hopefully it does happen. I have grand plans for costumes, so fingers crossed!

Then it was off out to Stack and Still for a birthday brunch for Missy. The plan was for my sister and her friend to have brunch and set off back south before the weather got too gnarly. We got the usual surprised remarks from the other patrons on arrival (they really need to advertise that they allow dogs more) and a passing remark from the adjacent table had us laughing;

"Oh, look at the dog! Its so cute!"

"Is that a ribbon on her collar?"

Half beat.

"Its her birthday!"

Yes, I'd put a Birthday Girl ribbon on her. Because I officially dont care about being seen as a crazy dog mum any more. The staff were great as always, and we got Missy got a pancake all for herself - she was clearly delighted with such a rare treat!

Then it was home. Sister headed off. We tidied up. A bath is running and all is well in the world. Its funny what things make us feel like all is well again; getting out to a museum with Missy, shooting zombies with my friends and family and the mutual joy of indulgent food.

It was a slow start, but it feels like the year is getting on the right track.

February is set to be a busy month, so lets hope there's plenty more adventures to share!