Slumber Party

I will warn you now that this post is going to get confusing with names, Maisie and Missy are far too similar! 

So, my brother is going to go away for a few days somewhere that isn't dog friendly, so we decided to meet up at Newhailes (now that we are National Trust members after last weeks visit) and visit the site when there isn't an event on. With a vintage car show at the end of the month that my brother really fancies, I expect you'll be seeing a lot of this place in future. With a run of busy weekends ahead, we'd earmarked this one as a quiet one to get on top of jobs and take at a more sedentary pace. 

Maisie is a character. That wide cheeky grin tells you all you need to know: selective hearing to the max, insists that everyone is her best friend and obedient only just enough that she knows when to stop toeing the line and get forgiven. A daddy's girl and a princess. At least, she is for my brother. Take him out the equation and the springs come off her paws and she just chills out with Missy. A completely different dog.

First time I saw this I panicked thinking she was in some depressive state but no, she's got a hearty appetite, plays if I engage with her and no pining or whining. It's the strangest thing!

I have seen a similar thing with my eldest neice and nephew, all those cheeky traits vanish and I'm left wondering who is getting the performance: the parents, or me. They want to come back (the neice and nephew, I mean) so clearly they do enjoy thier time with me!

But I digress. Everyone else in the family thought I was mad to offer to take Maisie, but I know she'll be just fine with us! (and the budgies, that was the only thing I was worried about, and she couldn't care less about them). 

Newhailes provided a lovely walk. After meeting up in the car park, we all went all round the fields and then ended up at the cafe for a slice of cake, good conversation and a pot of tea. If only all our walks finished so splendidly.

From there, Maisie came with us. She had a mad 10 minutes where every corner and toy was thoroughly sniffed before she climbed up on the sofa and fell asleep with Missy.

The true test will be the next two days (and nights) as its only a short holiday, but here's hoping. My brother does deserve a nice holiday, and I would like to be able to offer him a chance to go away properly.

I haven't forgotten the sewing, although I will confess that this project took far too long owing to a loss of my Sew-Jo. I liked the colours, I liked the pattern, it was the usual level of simple with an intermediate garnish that I like best, and yet I struggled with this.

I have a few reasons for that. Firstly, this project (its one of two matching waistcoats) was commissioned when my hubby's magic partner found out he had prostate cancer. Hubby had joked for a long time they should be wearing matching outfits, and decided that was the time to make the joke a reality. 

G, as I will refer to him, is that older generation which hides everything beneath a witty remark so whilst the banter was there, I had no idea if his joke of "if I never perform in it, I'll make sure they bury me in it" was because his prognosis was worse than he let on, or because he was genuinely so confident about getting through it.

So I stalled. I didn't like the lining fabric and bought another one (the backs antique gold, like the pockets). My findings were silver and I wanted gold. Unusually for a sewing pattern, it turned out small for the size. Every excuse to delay, I found, every problem that could happen, did.

Gs operation was a success. He struggled with the intensive chemo and needs some corrective surgery, and a double check in six months, but he's doing well. We're booked in to all see a magic show together ("time for the wives to meet", as such). They (G and his wife) love the waistcoats and he and hubby are discussing the next gig, so life seems to be carrying on.

I'm pleased with the waistcoats, but more happy they have been done and the chapter they represent is off my sewing table. Just like that, I'm one project down and blitzing through a second. Funny how these worries manifest themselves.

And I am rather looking forward to seeing hubby and G in thier matching waistcoats for the next show!

Doghailes at Newhailes Estate

After far too long, dog shows are back! To kick of the first (of hopefully many more) of the year, was Doghailes at Newhailes Estate and Gardens. This was the first time we had visited Newhailes and, admiring it's strangely wide and yet very narrow shape, I think we'll need to go back and check out the site on a quiet day. As it was, its only 10 minutes from our good friends and our favourite honorary twin neice and nephew (both about to turn 7). 

The wee ones are at that age where they like the idea of a dog, but with the exception of Missy, don't actually know any dogs. Thier mum (who came with us) also really wants a dog, but is trying to convince dad. He didn't join us, long covid means a choice between seeing us during the day, or sleeping and enjoying our company over a family dinner, and then the evening once kids have gone to bed. He's been quite frustrated with it, but used the playful excuse of getting to avoid his wife trying to convince him to get a dog. 

(spoiler, tactic didn't work, the 3 of them went back wanting different dogs!) 

And there was a lot of dogs to choose from! Whilst browsing markets and stalls, watching the shows (and trying to pick the winner) we established mum wants an old time bulldog, neice wants an akita and nephew the "really small and fluffy Missy", a black and tan long haired teacup chihuahua who had on a bow tie bigger than itself.

Good luck finding a compromise! 

We entered two competitions, Golden Oldie (which I knew we would never win, but after 4 people were convinced she didn't belong to the category, I realised just how a long a shot it was!). We lost to a very old dog in a buggy, which I was more than happy with.

We also entered Best Rescue, where we didn't place again. Niece and nephew were cross about this, but I explained that we knew she was best, and that was all that mattered. We only entered to give some money to a good cause (the National Trust in this case).

It was a good day. All the dogs were well behaved, we found the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home stall and filled them in on how the ex-convict was doing (they put her picture on insta stories!) and Missy managed to sweet talk (or hard stare) everyone out of biscuits. 

A good day. Long over due. 

And yes, the kids went back demanding dogs, so our friends avoidance tactic failed! Still, we got to hang out for the evening and life feels almost as it should be. 

Fingers crossed to a more normal future. Until the next adventure, I'll leave you with Missy dreaming of days to come. 

Looking for Dinosaurs in Lanark

This weekend was a new experience for us - looking after my eldest neice and nephew (16 and 12 years old)! Long story short, my nephew has recently got into all things geeky (pokemon cards, anime etc) and has decided that hubby and I (who are completely unabashed about how geekey we are with out fortnightly online RPGs and miniatures in addition to the above), are clearly the best grown ups he knows. Not that his parents aren't supportive of his new interests, they just don't help themselves when the call anime "those weird Japanese cartoons" amongst other faux pa's! We'd said that, once covid allowed, we'd take him for a weekend of unashamed geekery and then that evolved to also taking his sister who, being at that age where they want to do all the hobbies, has realised that my house is only short a few balls of wool to become viable to be listed as a craft store... 

Its nice that they've grown back into us being the cool aunt and uncle again! 

So, we had them dropped off on Friday and the games, literally, commenced as we played Mario Party for the evening. 

Saturday was the main day. We decided to check out Jurassic Lanark - a Dino themed treasure hunt where each display gave a letter which formed a word for which you got a badge upon completion. 

We started at the Tolbooth in Lanark town centre and then, after finding all 3 displays, moved onto New Lanark for the final 4. 

We had deliberately chosen that order as we knew there was an open air market at New Lanark that the neice would love it if the dinos were beneath her (she stated that she enjoyed getting photos of them, when I checked how she was finding it). Talking cameras, nephew got to play with mine for the day, which really got him to engage with everything. He took being Missys personally pupperazzi very seriously! 

The market was a success too. Both managed to spend all their pocket money and, I think they were pleasantly surprised that we didn't stop them buying anything, but insisted they looked at everything first, we'd come back for what the wanted. Missy wasn't left out, she got some doggy black pudding for later in the week and the lovely lady selling dried meats shared some sausage with her! 

The evening was spent building pokemon decks, making jewellery and taste testing all the fudge we bought. 

Today we went hunting for UFOs at the Dechmont UFO trail. We wanted a walk that wasn't challenging but still fun and it met both of those criteria. A tree swing proved that no matter how old you are, there is still a 5 year old in all of us, and they were genuinely interested in the history of the walk. We may have broken them a little by insisting we go up the Law itself, but they appreciated the views once there. 

After that was Exploding Kittens before we went to Edinburgh Zoo to meet up with the parents and return the kids. Nephew had great fun running about with my camera again and tried to compete with his sister on the shots. I was soon giving both lessons as neice was surprised at the fact her photos were completely different (colour, focus abilities etc) at points and I explained the pros and cons of the different camera types they had (my DSLR vs her Hybrid camera). I made a point that, whilst mine was superior through glass, hers was better at going through fencing, amongst other things.

And that was the weekend gone! A very different experience to having my younger neice and nephew, but enjoyable all the same. My "completely 120% fun but I'm not gonna let you break rules" attitude has paid off as they were on best behaviour. I suspect another weekend is in the future, but later in the year, I need to recover from this one first!

An Unexpectedly Busy Week

Well, despite my promises to have a quiet week, fate had plans otherwise.

I have a terrible compulsion when the weather is nice to work on the garden, so I've been quite physically tired (but it must be done, when else in Scotland will there be two dry days on the bounce?). Then Friday (as I was mowing both lawns, cutting the hedge and getting the weeding done) disaster struck. In an attempt to avoid a car that had pulled out of a junction in front of him, hubby mounted the verge and blew both passenger side tyres. So his early getaway turned into him getting home after 7pm whilst I was having kittens the whole time. 

We had already organised a get together with a friend at Jupiter Artland on the Saturday and, after explaining the situation, she kindly offered to pick us up too. 

Panic one over. Saturday morning rolls round and I'm looking at the poor car (hubby had to drive it with 2 safety tyres before it was abandoned at the closest garage to the house) and the MOT centre. Google said it was open. The opening hours sign said it was open. But the shutters were down and no one was answering the phone. 

Hubby and I were both flustered and cross at the situation. Thankfully I remembered my brother had booked someone to come out and replace his tyre and, after a few tense moments where we tried to figure out what tyres we needed, Halfords were booked in the next morning to fit them.

A sigh of relief. 

A text popped through, our friend asking if we were at the house...

We legged it down and, after some confusion about when we were booked in for, I panic packed the day bag and off we went.

Thankfully the rest of the day went very well from there. We bought lunch as a thank you and wandered about the grounds, enjoying hearing our friends thoughts as she saw the peices for the first time. The amythests were her favorite, we magpies do flock together!

We also braved Mimi again, and this time I stuck through the 8 minute video. We all agreed that we understood the message (and that the trigger warnings were appropriate) but that it was a bit on the nose. 

I was then reminded by my friend of her mannequin phobia, so at least we both had company in our awkward uncomfortable-ness about the place!

This morning was taken over a but by the wheels being replaced on the car. I decided to clear the schedule and focus on some sewing, putting my big project to one side for a little bit to focus on my new monthly treat:

A sewing subscription box! This one is from Oakapple Haberdashery and is thier "Sew Darn Sweet Box"

So this months project was tissue holders, but I thought they'd make excellent poo bag holders when on the dog walk! Because everyone deserves to be fabulous on a walk! 

The Redcoats take on Duncarron

This weekend was hubbys first official weekend off in his new job. The first weekend of many off, the notion of which is a great novelty for us.

So we did what any self respecting person does when they have that first taste of freedom...completely fill in every single moment of it with plans leaving you in need of a weekend to recover from said weekend!

The Saturday was earmarked for a friends belated birthday and we went on a trip to the 5 Sisters Zoo. Its sad that they no longer allow dogs, but we did share a few of our favourite lockdown doggy zoo moments with our friends as we mooched about in the sun. It was really hot Saturday and, despite generous amounts of Factor 50 suncream, we all finished up a little bit pinker than we would have liked (although no actual sunburn to report, thankfully!). We got lucky and saw everything we wanted to see, including the new red panda! 

Missy was appalled when we returned and hosted a vegetarian bbq as, whilst she did try a little bit of the veggie burgers/sausages, they were clearly too seasoned for her liking! We played Finnish Skittles and then retired from the sun and sat up far too late just chatting and catching up.

Sunday was the big day. It was a Jacobite's and Redcoat event at Duncarron Medieval village and, seeing as hubby missed out on the last event, we simply had to go. 
I'm going to admit, I think they're figuring out how to host events as it was completely different to the last one! This one was smaller, partly because of the theme (they only have thematically relevant stalls at the events, so the shoe and the top hat stalls weren't there this time), but also because of the number of people. Talking to the reenactors, the Saturday had been very busy, so I think it was probably down to the day, but I suspect the fact most folk are away on school holidays probably played a big part too.

And they missed out! We arrived a little early as always and were told we were going to be escorted up to the village. After a few minutes making small chat with a pair of South Africans, a troupe of Redcoats arrived. We were ordered to one side, "searched" for weapons, deemed civillians (although hubby being a ginger was deemed a possible threat and a close eye was threatened on him) and then told to follow the band up the hill to the Fort.

For us, it was hilarious. Poor Missy however could not read the room and figure out what was happening. She hates loud and aggressive shouting and hides from raised voices, but there we were laughing away despite the scary shouting. And worse. We were following the people doing all the shouting!

After a lot of reassurance, she followed the troop but the captain was officially marked in her bad book. Every time he started his act, she'd put the tail down and quizzically stare at us. When he walked by us (very noticeable in his outfit) she'd stare daggers at him, clearly telling him off for being mean. There was a staged ruse where, after we were allowed in, the Redcoats attacked and took the village. After that we were free to wonder about. 

After an hour or so, my mum, my brother and his friend came to join us. They were gutted to miss out on the opening, but there was plenty to see and do still with hourly events. Maisie though, we've discovered, doesn't like musket fire. Despite Missys calm, she would not be persuaded that there was nothing to be afraid of, so my brother took her for a walk to get away from the musket demonstration for a bit. In future, I'll stick to inviting them to pre-gunpowder themed days... 

The weather was ideal for the day. Dry, warm but not hot, and a cool breeze to keep the dogs happy. We filled the day watching demos, axe throwing, weaving bracelets, chatting to the reenactment team, chatting to the dog owners and all the kids who shyly asked to pet Missy. It flew by. 

Missy even decided to put her grudge to one side and sat with the Horrible-Shouty-Captain. Granted, she waited until after we had stood chatting with him for 10 minutes about the event before shyly stepping forward to greet him (I never force her to say hello). It seemed a perfect end to the day. 

Between doing both dog walks as hubby's knee continues to heal, and a lot of reactive work in the day job, I haven't had much time to sew and push on with my ever expanding to make list. I did however find time to upcycle (well, I suppose it comes under visible mending) a much loved pair of shorts:

Pop over to my sewing insta @missdaisysewing to see the before!

Right, I'm making a promise to myself now, next weekend is to be a quiet one! Until then, keep safe. 

Accidents in Aberdeen

Well, plans have rather gone awry this weekend. We'd decided to have a wee trip up to Aberdeen to see the in-laws before hubby started his new job on Monday, there was talk on playing with resin (MIL is very into crafts like myself), walks at some nice castles and generally eating far too much food and drinking more tea than is really good for you. Well, that last part is just a natural state of being for me these days! 

*sips tea*

So we arrived Thursday, a bit later than usual as I was working during the day, and we decided that, after a quick cup of tea, we'd take the dogs to the playing field and let Ruby burn off some steam.

That was fine. She was charging after her Frisbee, having fun, Missy was just chilling out and watching and all was going well. Then hubby decided to play piggy in the middle with Ruby, his dad threw the Frisbee, hubby (miraculously, I won't lie) caught it a microsecond before he was ploughed into by Ruby.

And he went down like a sack of potatoes.

There was beat of laughter and then a beat of silence before we realised he wasn't getting up again. Less than an hour into our mini break and my hubby had managed to break himself.

Got him to limp back, elevated it, got the ice out and the painkillers. Fingers crossed he'd wake up bruised but fine in the morning. 

Nope. Still sore. Hobbling badly. Got him to stay in bed whilst I did the dog walk and then played with the resin. After lunch, still no improvement.

He insisted it was fine. 

After dinner, he conceded defeat and let me ring NHS24. After a phone consultation there was a video consultation. Then he was booked into the minor injuries clinic for an in person appointment the next day.

In the end it was an overstretched ligament. So he's to rest it for 3 days and should be fine for a work (which is going to be all induction stuff and paperwork).

We decided just to head back home and take today as an easy day about the house, you heal better in your own space. Hubby already feels much better, so thankfully he's on the mend. 

So much for our quiet weekend away! 

New Chapters

It's been a very strange week. Firstly we had Wee Ben and, whilst his sleeping did improve, I will confess I was very pleased to have the bedroom dog free again on Thursday night! For the most part though, his stay went very well. Sunshine and sleepy doggies, a very good combination.

One small win, we had to swap Ben onto a strict feeding schedule to match Missy (he was left to basically free graze at home, which, when you own a dog who will eat until she's sick, is a straight no-no) and his appetite was so improved that my sister has decided to keep him on it. Whilst all dogs are individuals, I do think they benefit from a routine.

The main event of the week was hubby leaving his job. After being made redundant, his retail days have now passed and he's set to move onto new pastures closer to his technical background. It's all for the better, but it is difficult when the choice to move wasn't really his.

The staff closed shop to the public on Friday and then had Saturday to empty and strip the store. Seeing the photos of the empty unit really hit home that this was the end of his retail family, of 8 years since he opened the store to the public to now closing the shutters fof the last time. 

With covid, trying to organise a night out was impossible, so we offered to host a garden party and do take out pizza. Missy was in top form being cute and getting all the cuddles and it went well.

Until the heavens opened. So we all had to go inside and the ground floor of my house was basically taken over! Everyone had a great time and, with promises of a proper garden party later in the summer, the house felt oddly empty. I do miss my social get togethers, even when I barely know anyone there!

The poor weather continued into the the Sunday which was my nephews birthday. We tried for a nice walk but failed when the umbrellas gave out to the onslaught! 

Nonetheless, he was happy with his pressies and we dog sat wee Ben again so he could go do something fun indoors at the centre. 

A quiet day, but needed.

I think the next week or so is going to be a bit strange until we settle into a new routine and hubby gets into his new job.

I did manage to find time this weekend to finish the baby sampler for my friend. Name is still to be added, but that can't be done until baby arrives. My to do list is getting slowly shorter.