Bard at the Beach

It was a very busy Saturday this week - the garden was cleared and made ready for the start of the new growing season (yes, it's January, but my new book (and basically garden bible) "Ministry Of Food: Thrifty Wartime Ways To Feed Your Family Today", encourages potato planting and seed sowing (in the greenhouse) in February. Whilst I'm joking about it being my new garden bible, it has provided a month by month resource of what to plant and when in the British garden, something I've struggled to get a solid answer on in my garden experiments.

After that, it was setting up new fire alarms for my mum (to be explained below), measuring the kitchen, and gathering up all of the random treats and accessories we wanted to donate to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. If you recall back to our Holyrood #leadtheway walk, we were gathering donations for the EDCH, and Burns Pet, who sponsor the walks, gave us a big goodie bag to pass on. 

It was overdue getting to them! 

Scotland has new fire alarm legislation coming in at the end of the month, so I'd volunteered to sort my mums out. They have to be interconnected (which we set up at home just in case there was a problem with them, no worries, all good), so I'd organised a mini Burns night with her to give more meaning to the visit. 

Scope creep.

Thise two words are defining my 2022. Oh, if we're going to Edinburgh, let's pop in and ask about the kitchen (a baffling experience that somehow ate almost 2 hours of my day without actually speaking to a designer, that's next weekend!). We really need to get those donations away, how about a trip to the beach and we'll pop in and do that too? 

Then comes the rest of the family adding to scope, sister and family invited, only eldest neice comes along (she's embracing being 17 and an adult who can get the train and go where she wants; oh the reckoning she has ahead of her). That's fine, it'll be after the walk and - Oh, she's bringing Wee Ben. Thankfully we have the spare harness packed! 

It all went very well, we got everything on the list done, and it was exactly the pick me up my mum needed. I even pandered to her wanting a wee photoshoot on the beach, making sure we caught the golden hour and the best spots for backdrops. Missy is just like my mother, and she happily posed with her - whilst my neice stood for some photos, it was obvious she wasn't in the mood, so it was good my mum had one grandchild eager to join in the photos! 

We joined in the spirit of the Bard with linguistic games, although I'm not sure dear Rabbie Burns would have approved of Poetry for Neanderthals...! 

Talking of spirits, it's finally done: my Grim Grinning Ghosts SAL:

More detailed shots at my Instagram: @missdaisysewing 

Very. Very. Pleased! 

And today we booked our next grand adventure, but you'll have to wait and see what and when it is. All I will say is that I'm definitely embracing the quintessentially British vibe this year. 

Linhouse Glen

This weekend was officially our first adventure of the year - a new place has been found! Well, not really a new place, more an appendix to an existing place. 

We've enjoyed the Linhouse Circular for many years and, every time we pass the sign above, we look at the swamp it seems to be sinking into and decide, perhaps another day. Today was that day - spurred partly by the fact that I had listed the Linhouse Glen earlier this week on Dog Furiendly. Once the listing is live, I'll write a review: wellies definitely recommended.

After wading past the sign, you reach a little railway crossing. Its not quite as magical as the wardrobe from Narnia, but the effect is just the same, for once you (taking your time and safely, with dog on lead) Cross said railway line, you have left the boggy woodlands and are upon the glen:

The thin line of trees give way to meadow overlooking a steep embankment to a river, and the walking is easy going and very pleasant. With todays high of 7C,and the bright morning sun, I could have been fooled into thinking spring had arrived.

Indeed, once we got home, I've realised my daffodils are begining to sprout, as is my rhubarb. I sternly told the rhubarb to go back to sleep and then from there the days has dissolved into one of those pottering odd-job days. The big DIY is done, but there's some snags I'm fixing up, so it's been painting skirting today for me while hubby finally managed to get the carpet cut offs out to the tip. 

Yesterday we had the eldest neice round with my mother, and we all had lunch together before my neice got her overdue birthday gifts. She's really taken to jewellery making so I was pleased that the plier set and findings went down well (my sister supplimented the gift with gemstone beads which I suspect may last until the middle of next week at best, going by the speed neice is making bracelets!) 

And that's been the weekend. Busy, but quiet, certainly slower paced that recent weeks, which we've definitely needed! Fingers and paws crossed the weather holds and we can keep adventuring - we have some grand plans in the works for this year which I'm quite excited about.

Till next time! 

Snowy Days and Lazy Mornings

A short post this week. Weather has been really changeable - we G 8ot our first snow of the year, had an overnight of -5C and then it's warmed right up again to a drizzly 7/8C.

Not Missys sort of weather at all!

We've been pushing on with the last dregs of the DIY (namely that horrible bit where everything needs rehomed and you start doing the Big sort out for charity shops etc).

We have managed some nice walks when weather has permitted, but Missy has seemed to enjoy a bit of a duvet weekend. There's been lots of cuddles on the sofa whilst sorting through boxes, and long mornings where she has stolen the bulk of the bed as we have tea and organise the battle plans of the day. 

I did get some sewing done, so my first official project of 2022 is complete! This little upcycle Disney Dinosaur. A good friend of ours is going to be off on a very big adventure soon (for 5 months!) and I wanted to make her something to remind her of home and friends. This is made from old uniforms from the store where she and hubby worked together (and quite a big portion of our friend group really!).

The leaving get together is next week, so we're hoping restrictions ease enough to allow a few of us to get together and have a proper cheerio. 

Until next week! 

Bringing in 2022

It's the start of a new year and with that, the promise of new adventures to come whilst firmly closing aside 2021. 

Whilst not a bad year, as there were plenty of highlights to be had (a sneaky Disney trip, lots of visits to friends and family, Missy coming 2nd in Golden Oldie and finally having her medication sorted so itchy paws are a thing of the past, to name a few), there was a fair share of lows. Hubby was made redundant from a job he truly loved and, whilst happy doing what he's doing now, it will never replace the gap in his life. We've lost acquaintances, and almost lost close family. Good friends are struggling with the burdens of covid and burnout, and there is little I can do to help them but offer a cup of tea and an open ear. And yes, the plague we had hoped to have banished is still here making life difficult and interrupting our most simple plans. 

Yes. Whilst 2020 was a dumpster fire, the heights of 2021 have really made me feel the lows of the year much harder. 

So, that chapter is being closed and I am opening the next warily, but with optimism. 

Final comments on 2021:

Christmas this year went very well. We had decided on a low key event with my mother coming over and that being all the guests. A quick walk around the estate in the morning made me feel like the ghost of Christmas present; the streets were dark and all the curtains were open and lit, displaying families opening thier presents and running around throwing wrapping paper and glitter. 

It certainly got me in the right mood for the day. My mum turned up at 11 and we had okonomiyaki for dinner (with a Christmas twist, it being of the turkey and crispy bacon variety) which went down a treat. She humoured us in a gnome painting activity and very quickly took the whole affair very seriously. It was just the right thing to idley pass the time as we got caught up on the goings on in life and then it was time for her to head off.

A good Christmas. 

And then, as I mentioned previously, it's been redecorating. I normally deep clean the house for the bells, so I've baan anxious that it was an impossible task this year. We spent the passing of the year painting skirting together, which I suppose in its own way is what we want for the year to come, to enjoy each others company and continue to work well as a team. 

Now onto 2022.

We started out today as we meant to go on with our first #leadtheway walk, which was a Loony Dook inspired affair at Portobello. It was also our best turn out yet with half a dozen people. After Missys last walk being all girls, this time it was all boys, and she was in her element flirting with them (particularly with an Irish Terrier called Red). 

For those unaware, the Loony Dook is the practice of going swimming in the sea on the first of January. Even at an almost tropical 14C, its always been one step too far from me. Looking at the bright red cold-sore skin on show, and hearing the humorous shrieks of shock and laughter made me quite glad for my wellies as I waded in a little. Missy had to be bribed in order to try the water, and she took the biscuit and went back to her flirting on dry land. 

Some of the dogs on our walk did brave the water, and it was lovely to watch them. 

Then back home to putting up wallpaper, there truly is no rest for the wicked! 

In other news, we finally got our Wilderness Wolf badge with Dog Furiendly - the first in the pack to do so, and quite an achievement! 

Missy is wondering where the girl scout cookies are to be found...

Normally this is where I put in my hopes and plans for year to come, but I'm not going to do that this year. Yes, I have grand plans in my ever evolving wartime garden, but I'm not making elaborate plans. Or resolutions. I'm just gonna focus on making this year count, and bringing in as much good to it as I can.

And so, with great sincerity, I raise a mug of tea and, truly, wish you all a Happy New Year. 

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!