And That's the End of the 2023 Season

Well, it all sort of fell apart at the end there - this year certainly wasn't going to go easy on me!

Since the last post we went to the Beecraigs Festival of lights, hosted Friendmas, then we had our liverpudlian friends stay with us, complete with Ren:

After that was the home run to Christmas. Well, it should have been, I was drafted last minute to sew curtains for the eldest sister. Her MIL (which, seeing as I was 10 when she turned up in my life is really a bonus grandparent at this point) is very unwell so is moving in with my sisters family until she's ready to move on to whatever the next adventure is. This meant a very last minute, very urgent refit of the conservatory and a lot of hemming needing done. A lot. 

Of course, muggins showed up trying to save the day armed with the sewing machine and presents.... And promptly face planted as soon as I was out the car. Downplaying my new war wounds, the curtains were fixed and I hoped that karma was gonna be on my side for a little bit. 

Did I mention that was the Thursday and we were flying the Saturday? 

We finally ticked Christmas at Disneyland Paris off the bucket list. My good dead paid off as, despite my knee looking like a bruised grapefruit, everything went smoothly. Flights on time. Taxis on time. Got booked into the hotel no problem. It went perfectly.

We followed the American tradition and gave out gifts to all the staff on Christmas day... Which totally isn't a thing in Paris. St Nick was looking down in us though as our merry gift giving was met with absolute shock and delight from the cast. So much so that we were gifted with some complimentary fast passes from the lovely crew at the train station - we absolutely did not expect any kind of reciprocation to the key chains we gave out, so we were absolutely dumbstruck to be pulled aside and handed them.

Honest thoughts? If you just want to go for the season, go at the start of the month as it was heaving. If you want to be crazy and try and start a new tradition giving out cards, then go for it. That's what made the day actually feel like Christmas to us. 

Missy was not forgotten - she had a midweek break being spoiled at our friends. We had sent her off with a mystery stocking and really did appreciate the photos of her "opening" it. 

Then it was home and here we are. Hubby is back to work (the joys of retail) and I've been catching up on sewing and generally trying to recharge my very much exhausted batteries. 

Talking sewing, hubby was very unimpressed with the Wish merchandise. We had a tremendously wonderful meet and greet with Asha, the main protagonist, and he wanted Star. But the only Stars available were either ginormous, or hard and not very snuggly. So I present to you, my first attempt at designing my own embroidery pattern for the face, Star:

Is he a bit too chubby? Yes. Is he a bit wonky and out of proportion? Absolutely. Does he look like he's wearing a onsie? Yes, although I don't understand how. But am I chuffed to bits with it, and more importantly, is hubby? Yes. So all is well. 

On that note, I hope you all have a lovely festive season. I'd also like to wish you all a happy New Year and most importantly, I wish you all a 2024 that offers you no more than can fit on your plate. I am done hoping for "my year" and so I merely ask that it be one with trials I can cope with with dignity and grace.

As is tradition, I raise my cup of tea to you all. I hope the chapter can be cleanly closed on 2023 with the happy moments at the front of it, and that 2024 offers many more to you. 

Santa Paws is Coming to Town

I mean, we all know which ones on the nice list and which ones on the naughty list!

This weekend we had not one, but two trips to see Father Christmas. The first one my brother insisted we book back in September which was the official Grotto experience at Dobbies. That was tremendous fun as we arrived early enough to bump into the back if the previous slot, so we were in a lovely queue of dogs all in thier Christmas jumpers.

Maisie was clearly keen to impress as she bravely put up with bring in hers whilst Missy got lots of attention as the cutest one in a llama jumper as both hubby and I wore ours. Cringy. Maybe. But dud we make a lot of people smile? Absolutely. Which makes it all worthwhile. 

After a stop at the Dobbies cafe for breakfast (it would have been rude not to! ) we headed over to Jollyes for thier 1 year anniversary party, featuring (you've guessed it) Santa Paws!

He was clearly feeling more energetic after a morning cuddling dogs - we were treated to a sing along and stories before being given chocolates. 

Not a bad wee day! 

Sunday was a sewing day. I had completed the last of the Christmas sewing on Thursday and was pleased to get on with a different project. A pair of bride and groom sloths are slowly coming together (no pun intended) and I'm pleased with how they have turned out so far.

I had Maisie again so my brother could push on with his Xmas shopping and then I picked up hubby from work and we went along to the Beecraigs Festival of Light with my older sister, BIL and nephew. To say it's been a year for my poor sister is an understatement and truth be told, I think she really needed the distraction. Hubby and I were running about with out nephew and generally being upbeat and silly, who resulted in some of the nicest photos of my nephew taken this year! My sister held an owl and hubby got his photo with "Weegie Olaf" at "Freezin" and Anna and Elsa too.

My sister lamented about not being able to bring the dogs, but thats the way it is, the event was far too busy to drag a poor dog about in. 

And I'm sure Missy was pleased for the quiet evening. She was beat after a weekend putting up with her cousin (who we were shocked to learn had made it onto the nice list, she clearly smuggled some cookies in that jumper) and was sound asleep when we eventually got home.

All in all, a fan wee weekend. 

And there's more Christmas fun to come! 

Until next week! 

Swiftly Moving Through December

After a giid year for updates, I've rather fallen at the last hurdle. December has always been a ridiculously busy month and 2023 is no exception. 

Last weekend was spent playing board games and watching anime with my nephew who had come to stay and this week the beds have had the in laws in them.

I really must start charging as a b and b! 

I've been managing to fit in some nice walks, although the weather has definitely changed for the worst. Friday night brought in - 6C and today has been nothing but torrential rain. Fortunately Missy dislikes the rain as much and me, so it was a short afternoon walk! 

And thats the updates. This week is quiet as far as weeks go and the focus is finishing Christmas crafts. But it's not all work and no play - keep an eye out this weekend for a special day planned for Missy! 

Until then! 

In Quiet Remembrance

Been off grid a bit these last few weeks. There's been a lot going on socially, which is something I will never complain about - it's good to have friends who want to see you.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that after the Halloween shenanigans, things didn't ease up any and so I found myself on the Remembrance day weekend with Maisie in tow just having a quiet one. Hubby has self diagnosed Man-Flu which I have now successfully caught, though of a weaker strain. The work of the flu jab which I got privately through work, or better genetics? I'll let you decide.

Either way, my significant apathy was explained when I woke up with aching kidneys and my voice an octave lower.

Despite the frosty starts to the morning, the weather was kind for Maisies visit. She was a star pupil as always and ate all her food, including the dreaded lamb. (Backstory, once a month or so my Brother gives me a dozen sachets of lamb dog food. Apparently Maisie will eat the chicken, turkey and beef, but will not eat lamb for him. Financially it's still cheaper for him to buy the multipack, and so Missy gets the lamb). Well, you guessed it. I didn't have anything but the lamb in jelly (she also won't eat gravy) and the madame gobbled it all up and almost beat Missy to be the first to finish.

I'm fairly convinced she has my Brother trained at the point! 

And that was the weekend. There was much crafts (the Xmas deadline is approaching) and the hubby and I powered through Ms Marvel. It was good, but you won't be hooked till episode 4.

And this week has been a misadventure in DIY. The time line was fairly tight to begin with, but throw in us both having colds and getting the hallway skirting painted and a carpet put in has become a true quest. (Spoiler, we did not manage the carpet, however, all the prep has been done, so halfway there).

So. Remembrance. 

I will warn you now that its gonna get soppy.

This weekend we three sisters boarded planes to go see our Dad. As I've said before, he's unwell and we have an indeterminate time left of him being the dad we remember. His big wish was to have all 4 of his daughters together again. Yep. Another sibling. Though really more a cousin at this point - a nine year age gap and only seeing them twice a year until you were 14 kinda stops a relationship forming. There's no menace in it. It is what it is. So I've been orchestrating that behind my dad's back for a while now - let me tell you, whilst sibling 4 had the right idea of wouldn't a surprise be wonderful, I'd been having kittens that someone somewhere else was gonna double book him. So last week, on the eve of Remembrance day when I know my dad was hurting that he couldn't attend the parade, his wife let the cat out the bag. If nothing else, knowing the lift he got from that, it was worth the low key anxiety I've had for literal months.

I am very pleased to say that the visit was perfect. My dad was like a peacock strutting about in absolute delight. There was lots of photos. Lots of food. He had got us all Christmas presents and insisted we open them (I'm not entirely sure he's ever forgiven us for growing up, it ruined Christmas for him) and he grinned like the Cheshire Cat all day. It was lovely to see him so happy. We had all been anxious about the what ifs and the maybes and honestly, everyone out preformed themselves on best behaviour.

Except the dogs - but that's because Missy wasn't there to keep them in their place! (Seriously, Jock, the very grumpy daschund took one look at me and barked the house down. I clearly haven't been forgiven yet for bringing Missy into his home!)

And thats a wrap. It was a whirlwind day yesterday and I for one am knackered. Missy has been most unimpressed with the cold and damp weather of late and has rather enjoyed our quiet day today cuddled on the sofa quietly crafting.

So, as I do each year, I will silently raise my mug of tea in thanks and remembrance. Not just to those we remember each year in November, but also to everyone we hold dear. 

Till next time

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

So yeah, it's November. Not sure how that happened! 

Well, I do. I spent last week with my head down being very busy with work, having a friend staying over and blitzing through a speed run to build my latest ensemble:

Y'all, I was the wickedest witch. I got to scare the absolute pants off of grown men and women during the special Halloween ghost tours at the House of the Binns. Hearing a legit adult stall and mutter the gloriously Scottish "Aw, Hell naw" was an utter delight. 

Seeing as I'm normally as frightening as a kitten caught short in it's litter box, I was legitimately concerned about being cast as the witch. When I volunteered to help, I thought I was gonna be collecting tickets, or waving folk into parking spaces, not creeping about like an extra from the Ring. 

But where's the hat I hear you cry? I did get to don it at the Steam and Scream event in Bo'ness:

I mean, hubby said it made me look like Granny Weatherwax, but if you know who she is then I take that as a compliment! 

After all that, I was too beat for anything else. Missy doesn't much care for Halloween, after the 5th set of kids guising, shes fed up and goes to bed. So I think she rather enjoyed the series of lie ins that we had, and the early morning cuddles in bed. And that brings us to this weekend.

We continued on the Halloween theme with our good friends coming over with the twins for a late Halloween party yesterday. This was followed by a dash into town to see Aladdin in the theatre (amazing) before getting home far too late. 

So today was a nice calm day. Missy has enjoyed the respite from the storms this weekend and was playing with all the boys this morning before my brother turned up to drop off Maisie for a sleepover. 

Pouty does not like fireworks. To her they are evil. They are sneaky and scary and bad. And she absolutely should not be left alone with them chapping on the window and door - with my brother working nights, it was inevitable and I volunteered to have her over.

Between Missys absolutely apathy of them, Classic Fms curated Pet Classics play list and a steady stream of distractions, she's doing OK. Maisie isn't her usual cheery self, but she hasn't tried to hide under the sofa, or make any use of the nest built for her, so I'm gonna call that a successful endeavour. 

Until next week! 

A Spooky Pause

It's been a crazy run but it's been epic. But first, the photoshoot we did a few weekends back:

Of course I had to do the viral dog photoshoot. I saw it and knew Missy would happily put up with a sheet over her head if there was enough bribery involved! We decided to go to Dechmont, the old insane asylum, with the purpose of getting nice photos and it's sad that every time we go, the construction has crept in and it's smaller and smaller. 

And we did the photoshoot. Missy got all the biscuits. Hubby got enough footage that there's even a tiktok and we had a lovely day which really go us in the mood for the spooky shenanigans planned for the month. 

What spooky shenanigans you ask? 

Halloween in Disneyland Paris!

It was just me and my sister this run. Dressed as alternate Cheshire Cats (me in pink and she in blue - when the post comes up about the outfits she made I'll pop a link here) and it was a blast. There was a lot of travel drama - trains being cancelled, planes being mislaid and flights being delayed, but we got there and it was amazing. The characters loved the outfits, we had some amazing wild meet and greet moments, and overall would 100% do again. 

One brief highlight was our Cruella meet and greet:

Cruella striding about with her handlers barely able to keep up with her, clocks us and grinds to a halt. 

Cruella: Did you make those yourselves? 

Me: (indicates sibling) All hand knit! 

Cruella: (grabs hold of one hand of each of us and tows us along) I'm in need of new minions since Horace and Jasper left - how does that sound to you both?  Join me as fashion designers?. 

Me: We'd be honoured! 

Cruella: but I prefer dogs. And spots.

Me: Oh, of course, cats are so last season! 

Sibling: (cogs finally catching up after being utterly overwhelmed) totally last season - spots are definitely coming in.... 

We spotted her again later and she asked for a progress report on the dog hunt, which just added to the hilarity of the day. 

But, alas, no rest for the wicked, it's back at work with a very busy run of more spooky fun booked! 

So I'll leave you all be with one last photo of Missy being adorable:

Picking Pumpkins

I have tried for a few years now to go pumpkin picking somewhere dog friendly to absolutely no avail. They're either sold out of time slots, or they aren't actually dog friendly. This year, as swathes of cute pups perched atop pumpkins filled my feed, a horrible thought dawned on me, clearly I'd missed it again. The gourd had sailed. My hopes we're squashed.

And it was my mums birthday weekend and I needed to find something dog friendly that wouldn't freak Ren out. I won't lie. I spent far too long go ogling an ever wider circle of pumpkin patches before I struck upon South Ardbennie Farm.

I know it seems odd, pumpkins for birthdays, but firstly, the double dog situation, secondly, what I was really offering my mum was an autumn photoshoot with a prize pumpkin to carve later in the month with the grandkids. And I'm pleased to say that, with the sun out and the wind (mostly) keeping away, the weather was perfect and she was delighted. 

The Facebook Post was already up before I'd gotten home after dropping her off! 

Ren had had a... Moment earlier in the week. Hubby watching the wrestling with his friends online and Ren went into an absolute spiral. Shibas, or at least this one, don't display thier anxiety in the usual way. I honestly thought he was pacing about because he needed the bathroom and, when that failed and he was bored playing rug if war with me, that he had reached the mid-stay I'm gonna push boundaries stage. We'd certainly had that in the morning when he snuck into the bedroom and I found him casually draped over my pillow. So when he decided to hide under the bed, I thought he was acting the goat again until he snarled and tried to bite me.

Let me tell you. We decided it best to leave him there as he was clearly frightened. I did not sleep a wink that night. I had a literal monster under the bed. 

Until the morning. The sun came up and he was bright and cheery and his delightful self.

We messaged his pawrents in the morning and they said that they had suspected crowd noises being a problem, and they apologised. Why do I mention this? Because I think it's important that people realise that taking on a second dog just because they have one already is super easy, and it isn't. 

Apparently grandpaw is one of those types that scream at the TV when the footy is on, so Ren, being in a new and weird place, panicked. It's not his fault for snapping whilst being scared, and we now know what to look for as his anxiety signs, so no harm, no foul. He deserves leniency and was quickly forgiven.  

We doubled down our efforts to make sure he had a nice stay with us, hence today being about the dogs. 

And absolutely no more wrestling for the week! 

He gets picked up tomorrow and, whilst they get on well, I do think Missy will be pleased to get her routine back! 

That's all for this week, see you next! 

A Short Interlude

Not a lot to update. BIL finally got married (they got engaged 2018) and, despite the heavens unleashing a month's worth of rain, it went very well. 

It was a long day with a stressful run up (as all weddings are) but the men donned thier kilts and the women thier best smiles and the day went as planned. 

I haven't forgotten the fur babies. Ren is with us till Sunday, so we have tried to fit in some different walks. Our trip to the House of Binns also had an ulterior motive, but more shall be revealed later! 

And that's all for now, it's a busy busy run of things - if I stop I'm not sure I'll be able to get going again. Till next time! 

Trekking Up and Down the UK

 

Its been a pretty busy couple of weeks! On top of the usual day to day life and drama, we've managed to fit in some very busy weekends.

First of all it was Open doors Day on the 23rd and we went out to the Lothian Buses depo. Open Door Day encourages businesses to allow the public in for a behind the scenes look and has been going on for years. This was the first time however that I was made aware of a dog friendly day, so of course I had to take the chance and go along with Missy.

It was a good day, we got to sit on an open top tour bus and have a drive around the depo, hearing about the history of the building before going onto another bus (with a roof!) to go through the bus wash. There was lots of vintage buses to have a wander about and plenty of volunteers ready to chat with us.

Sunday was a quick dash to Keswick and back to see my niece for her birthday. It was my brothers idea, so him, my mum, the two dogs and myself made the journey all together. We first had lunch where I got to catch up with my niece and nephew and then it was a revisit to the pencil museum owing to poor weather. Here I took Maisie and accompanied my brother as he filled in the quiz - after all his mocking of the idea of a Pencil Museum, he actually really enjoyed the day!

Then it was a full week of work.

Then Saturday was a Halloween photoshoot before getting the house in tip top condition for a very special VIPet, Ren. Rens pawrents are away to Oz for two weeks and, owing to difficult circumstances on their end, we agreed to have Ren. Its not the best two weeks for us owing to other commitments, but he's a very easy going dog, so we'll make it work.

Then yesterday was a quick trip up to Stirling with the eldest neice to practice her photography and also fit in a Howl-o-ween dog show. Ren isn't one for dressing up, so in honour of his folks going to Oz, I made him a little Steve Irwin outfit and Missy donned her pirate one. Both were beaten by a poodle dressed as Audrey 2 from little shop of horrors, and it was a well deserved win for Storm.

And then it was a nice walk about Stirling to enjoy the last of the autumn sunshine and each others company before heading back home and getting organised for another week of work. I've been paired up as a buddy to a new start who joined the team today - he seems lovely, but it's gonna be a very busy run of things I can tell! 

Until next time, embrace the spooky season! 

(Missys photoshoot will be shared later in the month, I promise its worth the wait!) 

Honourable mentions for Hufflepups

Am I crazy enough to go to Dundee just for a dog show? Yes. Yes I am. 

And better yet, so is my brother, so Maisie came too!

Missy is a true Hufflepuff - fiercely loyal, full of endless love and devotion, and prone to being a bit niave and, well, she will never live down being rescued from a tree. Maisie is a slytherin. She's clever and cunning, has her pawrent wrapped around her little dew claw and has sass. Endless, tail swishing swagger full of sass. 

Dont let that pout fool you, there is a dark lord behind that underbite... 

My brother was too old for the Potter craze and so whilst he knows of it, it's not his cup of tea usually. In fact, he originally declined the invite then decided to take me up on it purely so he had an excuse to say no to overtime at work! 

So we went along. We paid in, entered through Platform 9 3/4 and browsed the stalls before going over to the main ring. Both girls went in for Best Witch (didn't place) and then Missy went in for Best Robes (she lost to Hagrid and his German shepherd come hippogriff). Then Maisie went in for Best Pureblood and guys, it finally happened, she may not have technically placed, but Maisie got her first ever ribbon as an honourable mention.

Truth be told, my brother was utterly smitten. Missy placing 3rd in Best half-blood paled in comparison to the achievement of our favourite pouting princess. By this point the rain had started and, on the drive back, we discussed highlights and lowlights. We both agreed a burger van wouldn't have gone amiss, and some human stalls too would have been nice. We were also both taken aback by how much fun the theme added. The fancy dress was all Potter themed (the angel winged golden (retriever) snitch being a highlight) as was the decor, which added to the party mood of the day. I was very pleased when my brother added that he would go again next year if he's available. 

Can't give higher praise than that! 

Till next time! 

A Break From Pillaging

Last week's blog went out before I had time to write up Sundays adventure to the west coast for Largs Viking Festival. We went day 2 of the 10 day event which culminates in a long boat being burned as the Viking raid is reenacted and it was an excellent day all round. 

We got there early and parked up nice and easy at a sneaky car park a colleague had pointed out to me. Seeing as we had to creep around effectively abandoned cars for five minutes on approach to the holy grail, I was very pleased for the "locals knowledge only" as the car park was empty. Then we toddled over to the Viking village which was basically across the road. 

The village was well made and had the usual highlights we expected and some more, including rune reading, a midwife tent, a bard and demonstrations of viking board games. Ironically, what it was missing was warriors - they were all stuck in Spain, a rebound from the airport controls going out at the start of the week.

That was OK, I've seen plenty of skirmishes and, with my sister officially part of a reenactment group, I'll be seeing plenty more in the future as I fully intend on bringing my war dog down and supporting her. (Missy was dressed up until about 1pm when I decided it was too warm for her, and she got a lot of compliments). 

The one thing I was super excited about was not held up in Spain - the have a go dragonboat sailing. After getting my warpaint on we eagerly awaited at the docks. We knew Missy wasn't going on, and our friend had kindly volunteered to wait with her whilst hubby and I sailed and she would then go on the next sailing.

Well, I'm gonna get it out there, I'd make a terrible slave. I took on a rowing position, partly to sit by the hubby who wanted to give it a go, but mostly because no other volunteers came forward. And I was terrible. My timing was spot on, but I could not get the arc of the turn right as the oar weighed a ton - a kindly viking took hold of the end of my oar and provides the added oomph I was previously lacking.

15 minutes later, after a turn about the harbour in the glorious sun, we were back on dry land to a delighted Missy. I had been correct in that she would have no desire to follow us into the water, but she refused to move and watched the boat like a hawk. Hubby was delightedly regaling the trip to our friend when it was noted that someone hadn't turned up for thier booking. He joked about another go and I was a viking widow as he was invited back on. His rowing skills were significantly better than mine!

Missy disapproved of this too and simply lay down to watch, keeping me company as I took photos. He was forgiven by us both on his return and we made our way back through the craft stalls to the village. 

A superb day. 

The title of this blog comes from a work conversation. I had thanked my colleague about the parking recomdation and, as we waited on a call later in the week, he asked if I was going again for the boat burning.

"No, I'm taking a break from pillaging this weekend" was my joking response, just as another colleague joined the call and I was greeted with a:

"A break from what?!"

Handing in my resignation next week! 

This weekend has been a quiet(ish) one. Saturday I caught up with a friend and today was meant to be dressmaking. However, it devolved into chip damaging 6 different projects and finishing none. I was caught in the long awaited downpour on the afternoon dog walk and that was the end of my productivity. A shower wasn't enough to get heat back into my sorry bones, so a bath it is. Which has made me realise that I'm absolutely burnt out - whikst there is talk of adventures next weekend, I might pass on them for take 2 on a quiet one...

Until next time!

A Giant Adventure

It's been quite a week! We set off over the big blue wet thing and, after 2 hours of sailing, set foot in Northern Ireland.

Despite the visit itself being planned for quite a while owing to my dad's failing health, the exact itinerary was sorely lacking. This meant that we winged things on a day by day basis, which was oddly enjoyable. 

Day one was simply travelling. We stopped at my dad's, introduced Missy to his 5 (yes, five) dogs and were treated to dinner. We were then surprised with a birthday cake for my hubby who's birthday had been the day before. 

Our first stop was the Giants Causeway. This has been on my to-do list for some time and I was pleased to finally get to see it. Missy, who is part mountain goat, managed the large basalt hexagon pillars with ease whilst we followed behind with far less grace and confidence. The visitors centre was enjoyable, although as it was free as a national trust member, I am skewed in my judgement there! The tour was definitely a highlight of the day. My dad and his wife did join us at the causeway but the visit was short owing to a sudden downpour and my dad's poor mobility making the stones uncrossable. Typically, just as they gave up and got on the bus back up, the sun was back out again! 

Wednesday was Belfast. We started the day at the Botanic Gardens. Of all the Botanic gardens I've visited, this one was the most dog friendly we've visited

(Edinburgh doesn't allow and Glasgow permits on the grounds only, not in the greenhouses). 

The weather was in our favour as, after a cool start, the sun came out and Missy was soon sunbathing whilst I tried to catch a photo or two of the bees that were bumbling about. 

We then went into Belfast and, parking at the Titanic exhibition (which does not allow dogs, but is on the Maritime Mile and offers relatively cheap parking) we set about the next leg of the adventure. Whilst not allowed in, there was plenty to look at outside the Titanic building. 

The Titanic was built in Belfast. Hubby, being a Dundee kid, was quick to joke and compare it to the Discovery - the infamous ship of Scott and Shackleton that he grew up by that couldn't be stuck in ice, that then got stuck in the ice. "At least we got ours back!" He quipped, in his best put on stereotype Dundee accent.

Perhaps something spiteful was listening as we hit our first hurdle. We knew we were on it, but where exactly was the Maritime Mile? We walked about. We looked for signs. Nada. I went on the website and found that it was meant to have an app which was no good as we didn't have headphones and then I finally got the map to work. We were off. 

It's a nice wee walk. The Game of Thrones stained glass trail overlaps some of it and we wound our way around some Maritime history. Highlights were the massive iron bouys and the old light from the lighthouse. Worth doing - but maybe bring headphones to get the full experience! 

Then we started what turned out to be the highlight of the day - our Black Cab Tour of the political murals and a crash course in the Troubles. It had been recommended to me by a work colleague and, after emailing them to double check thier dog policy, was delighted that Missy was allowed to come. (For those wishing to follow suit, I would message in advance and they will try and accommodate you with a driver who is happy to have a dog in the cab). 

I had trucked back and forth to Ireland twice a year as a kid through the 90s and the tour really helped solidify the strangeness of my childhood to my hubby. He'd heard of the murals, but had never seen the scale of them. He'd heard of the mob mentality, the every day violence but it wasn't until he saw the 45ft "peace" wall that it really sank into him that it was, and as the gates close at 6.30pm every night, still is a, a grim reality for many. Being a private tour, we got to ask questions we felt would have sounded niave (what's the deal about the poppies, being one my hubby asked after I had made an absolute song and dance that Missy was not to have anything poppy related upon her (short answer being it's a political "flag" that you are, or aren't, part of the tribe).

Absolutely recommend, I can't say enough - the driver was great with Missy, tailored the tour to a level we both understood, and was very insightful and balanced about the two sides. 

Thursday was the dogs day. With a two hour sailing looming ahead the following day, we wanted her well walked and tired. And so Divis and the Black Mountain was selected.

It was a... adventure for sure. Weather was a bit dull, but fine for walking until you spotted the cloud that sat over the peak. We pursued the walk anyway, hoping the clouds would move on. 

They didnt. 

But that didn't spoil anything. Missy enjoyed a good sniff and a trot about (except when we spotted cattle and had her on lead) and, after 2 hours, returned to the Airbnb for a cup of tea. I had snores in stereo as both Missy and Hubby passed out from all the fresh air. Like all the other days, we saw my dad that evening and, sorting through his military paraphernalia that he wants to see going to a good home, listening to his army stories, was an oddly poignant and cathartic moment for me. Whilst I still decline to share details of his health, I'm more at peace about it.

We spent the last few hours of our time in Ireland with my dad at the St Georges Market. He, and his wife, are veritable magpies, and it was a delight to join in on what was obviously "thier" thing: breakfast in the restaurant and then a potter about the stalls.

And that was us. Back in the boat and back home. The last week already a distant memory. 

I'll leave it there for today, the blog has gone on quite enough, and I will share with you the stunning views from atop Black Mountain. Until next time!