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!