Joust in Time

Following on from Missys mishap with the evil squirrels; we had literally booked a trip away the day before - last minute and non refundable. 

We waited out it out and, as she had passed the ten days bed rest and was getting very frustrated and bored, we decided that a change of scenery was perhaps just what the vet would recommend. 

The plan had always been a very quiet glamping trip to de-stress from the rat race, so why not? 

And Maisie came too! We had double booked a weekend looking after her with our holiday, so just extended her stay with us. To stop over walking Missy, we split them up for walks so that Missy was effectively still on bed rest whilst Maisie got a full walk. It worked a charm with, I think, both dogs appreciating the alone time with a human. 

We went down to Penrith and stayed at Howdy Glamping in their gypsy pod. It was exactly as advertised, neatly tucked away in a woodland and in a black spot for signal, just what we wanted! 

We did get in some adventures. One day was spent at Brougham Castle and the neighboring King Arthur's Table. That was our best day weatherwise as... 

 

Our day in Ullswater was rather wet! We did the steamers so that Missy spent most of the day resting barring the short walk we did at Howtown Pier. There wasots of dogs on the sailing, and we enjoyed chatting away to folk. We stopped for lunch at one end of the lake and then had tea and dessert on the other end!

 and then it was time for home and a stop at Carlisle Castle. It was a great castle but I was getting concerned about the amount of stairs. Whilst Missy is a master of the spiral staircase, we're to restrict too much of that motion, and Maisie has legs that are far too short for such tall flagstones. She gave up halfway and I had to carry her the rest of the way!

Theres not a lot to say of the holiday. We didn't spend as long as we normally would at places (thank goodness our passes got us in free!) owing to Missy. And if I'm honest, owing to ourselves. Hubby and I have definitely burned the candle too much at both ends recently. We definitely needed the quiet evenings listening to birdsong and playing cards.

We finishes our little holiday back home with the Spectacular Jousting in Linlithgow. Always a highlight in the calander. We took it super easy: no walk in the morning for Missy. She walked from the car to the Jousting. Lay down and watched said jousting whilst being fawned over for her Sir Checkmate inspired regalia, and then a wee dither about the stalls before we repeated the above in reverse.

Whilst she didn't get to meet her favourite pantomime villain, we all had a terrific time. Missy is definitely on the mend and wants to do much more than we're letting her, but these things take time to heal. So hopefully the cha he in sights and smells will be enough to have her feel less bored for now. 

Anyway, until next time, here is a photo of the infamous Sir Checkmate to tide you over! 

A Short Update

Well, it was bound to happen. After running full swing into the summer with a flower show, a pirate day, and a holiday to the lakes, Missy went for one squirrel too many and, not only tore her dew claw, but pulled her back too.

Needless to say, seeing her in pain is incredibly stressful, so there's been 2 vet visits, painkillers and a lot of bed rest. And that's kinda been it. 

We've had lots of human socials: it was the Summer Social for the Magic Circle (also known as "wives night"), I've been doing sewing lessons with a friend, we've had a games night with more friends. I did a day volunteering at the highland show for work which was amazing and so on, but... Yeah, just not feeling much like talking at the moment.

I will leave you with sad Missy, who is feibg much better and is resenting the fact she is still on toilet walks, and will be for a few days more, at least. 

So until the next update, glare at the squirrels and tell them off, for Missy! 

Sketching Out a Great Holiday

Pencil puns are harder than I expected, I clearly need to sharpen my wits...

It finally arrived, the great sibling getaway! What started as a lakes getaway in 2017 has come full circle - since then we've done Disneyland Paris, took a break with Covid, then Wales, and Dundee last year. Honestly, this trip was a highlights tour of all our favourite things to do in the lakes. 

We changed it up a bit with our brother, as part of his 40th birthday celebrations, coming along with everyone's favourite Pouty McPoutface. Owing mostly to the extra dog we decided to break the party in 2, one for the dogs, so hubby, Missy, Maisie, my brother and I, and the other my sister with her husband and both kids. I knew it would change up the dynamic of the holiday, but it was more so than I expected. 

We started in Keswick. Owing to being much earlier risers than my brother, Missy, Hubby and I enjoyed the Derwent Pencil Museum which has undergone a revamp since we were last there. They still allow dogs and, armed with our quizzes, it made for a very nice morning out of the worst of the sun. Then we met up for lunch with my brother, took both dogs a walk by the river, then headed down to the site.

White Cross Bay is a great site. Walking distance to Brockhole and the pier for the boat to Windermere, a mere 6 minutes from Ambleside by car and right on the lake itself. We arrived, checked in, parked up, located my sister and her family and then all went to play in the water, letting the dogs cool down again.

Of course we started with the boats. This was really the one day that was pretty independent from my sisters family as we did the Walkers Ticket. Whilst they joined us in Brockhole and to Ambleside, we hopped on the next boat for Wray Castle whilst my niece and nephew hunted down chocolate dipped ice creams.

Once at Wray castle, we started the 4 mile walk to Ferry House. At 22C, I spent the whole holiday panicking about Missy overheating, but it was all in the shade of the forest or along the waters edge where both Missy and Maisie dipped thier paws to keep cool. This was the key thing for Hubby and I - in years past we tried this route and, owing to a much younger Missy trotting to get past all the ramblers, we effectively jogged the first mile and had to quit the route as I about died from the exercise. Needless to say, Missy is more sedate on walks these days, st least until she spots a squirrel or rabbit.

Once we successfully completed the 4 miles, we hopped on the boat to Windermere and celebrated with chocolate dipped ice creams of our own.

Wednesday was mostly focused on Brockhole and was a proper family day. The treetop adventure had been closed the day before and, at my brothers casual suggestion, that was the plan. I sat out with the dogs as I knew hubby would be sitting out on Thursdays plans.

I was unsure of how both dogs would feel about thier dad's up in the trees, but they were perfectly behaved for me. I managed a cup of tea, some "wild crafting" and then they were all coming down the zip line, buzzing about the adventure. It was the talk of lunch as we ate at Brockhole and enjoyed some of the wider scenery it offered. 

We split paths again, an afternoon swimming in the kids agenda whilst we decided to explore both Skelghyll Wood and Stagshaw Garden. The views we're absolutely stunning, so we'll worth squeezing into the tiny car park for! 

Thursday was definitely the sisters day. We started off with the big "must do" of my sisters - the Stott Bobbin Mill. I did give my brother the choice of opting out, but he was game for anything so came along with us. We were again blessed with superb weather and, as the kids ran about with their bobbin-keys for the kids quiz, the dogs enjoyed a sunny stroll. They no longer allow dogs on the tour, so hubby sat out whilst I joined the main party. 

The tour was superb and everyone enjoyed it, particularly my nephew who received the bobbin that split in half during the demonstration. The gift shop was subsequently raided of all bobbins and, after shaking my sister down by the ankles and determining that she hadn't stolen anything, we were on route to Kendal. 

I was getting very concerned about Missy at this point. Whilst technically no hotter than the days prior, this was our first "inland" day and she was panting like a freight train. Now, let me be clear, she loves to bake herself in the sun and then has to lie on the floor in the hall to cool down.  The heat and the panting weren't really the issue, it was adding in walking that was worrying me. 

We got to the castle and made a beeline for the city centre for some food. A huge shout out to the Pizza Express there. We had to sit outside owing to the dogs and, without prompting, we were handed a huge old margarine tub full of ice water for Missy. At last, my last minute panic buy of a neon orange cool vest was put to use. Dipped in the water and secured on Missy and she perked up right away. 

Content that she was well, my sister and I split off for the Quaker Tapestry Museum. Again I asked my brother if he wanted to decline, and this time he did! Clearly viewing tapestries was a step to far for him.

The museum was thoroughly enjoyable. I thought it was  going to be a collection of old tapestries, not the Quaker equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry which told the history of the Quakers. So it was a pleasant surprise.

Just as we finished up in the gift shop hubby rang, it was fine, but Maisie had broken her good streak and chased a rabbit. He had to rescue her after she got trapped in brambles, but all was well, but they were done now, were we?

So we all congregated back at the car. Maisie was scolded for being naughty and all was well again. 

We celebrated the end of the holiday with desserts at the pub, which my sister snuck away to join us in. A toast was made to a good holiday and all was well in the world. 

We finished off the week back in Keswick, this time revisiting the Puzzling Place. It's an oldie but a goodie and the kids loved it, though I don't think Missy wants swapped out for a daschund anytime soon.

And then it was lunch and into our separate cars to go back home. Upon pulling into the driveway, hubby, Missy and myself looked at one another an knew the holiday blues were awaiting. I got a message from my brother, Maisie had refused dinner and was sulking, so clearly we weren't the only ones! 

I did get an invite out for a dog walk yesterday with my brother, so clearly I didn't drive him mad on holiday! Missy was in her cool coat again for it, but safe than sorry, its very hot! 

Al in all, a very good holiday. I did miss crafting with my sister in the evenings, but in the whole felt it had balanced out well. 

Until next time! 

Flowers and Canons

It's been a weekend of 2 halves, both absolutely brilliant and full of getting to hang out and see friends.

Winding back a little, Friday was a trip over to the House of the Binns for the long awaited photoshoot of my eldest neice in her prom dress. I am not at liberty to share them here, but trust me when I say that she looked absolutely stunning.

The fact that one of her friends has turned one of the photos into a mock cover for Vogue is far more flattering to my photography skills than I care to admit!

Saturday was a rather last minute outing with my friends to Scone Palace and their Garden Fair. My Inverness friend came down for the day and we came to realise just how incredibly twee we have become in our old age! After a few hours admiring the competition gardens (Missy and I liked the one with cake best) and looking through the plant stalls (I was good and only adopted one peppermint plant), we found a nice shady area and chatted away. 

There was a few shady walks and also dash around the maze. Missy got us absolutely lost in the maze, which only added to the fun. 

And then it was time to get going. Once back in Edinburgh, I briefly saw my brother for a slice of cake for his birthday. We have adventures planned to celebrate which I will tell you about next week. 

Sunday was an absolute 180. From house and garden and calmly mooching about neatly mown lawns with peacocks to being back in Duncarron for thier Pirates event.

It was Missy, hubby, a good friend and myself who all went. Our friend had been lamenting the lack of Renfairs in the UK, so we told her this was probably the closest thing we could get. And it was an absolute success, we did the archery, the axe throwing and watched the displays. For lunch we hid in the shade of the pirate tavern and Missy got so much attention. We humans did too as we had also dressed up, but as always Missy went into tart mode and we all made fast friends with everyone we met.

The absolute highlight of the day was best dressed pirate. As with the Viking show, we decided it would be funny to enter Missy except.... 

She was the only entrant. The heat and lateness of the day had driven off most of the little pirates I had seen running about earlier. Fortunately, Jack Sparrow ran off and rounded up all the kids he could find and we had a competition. There were introductions and Missy got her time honoured laugh. Then the judges all huddled together to pick a winner. I did hear a "it's gotta be the dog" followed by a "ye cannae have the dog win! It's gotta be one of the bairns!" which gave me a good giggle.

We all clapped when the kid beside us won a little shield and sword and then Jack Sparrow stood upon a barrel and announced that Missy had won runner up. We were handed his autobiography (a dvd of one of the Pirates films) and a jar of dirt (tastefully put together). At that point, the lass running the kitchen ran over with a hotdog which was proudly presented to Missy. 

There was much laughter as it was immediately gobbled down! An excellent end to the day. 

And so, Missy will always remember the day that Captain Jack Sparrow gave her a hot dog! 

Pokémon Masters - Unite!

I wanna be the very best

Like no one ever was

Catch them is my real test

To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land

Searching far and wide

Teach Pokémon to understand

The power that's inside

Pokémon!

It's the long awaited weekend, where pokemon masters across the UK gathered together to... eat cake and celebrate the youngest Nephews birthday! My nephew had specifically asked for a pokemon magic show for his birthday from my hubby and, being incapable of saying no to the niblings, of course we had to make that happen. The last few weeks have been spent secretly building props and rehearsing fun ideas and, I'm pleased to say, I think it paid off. 

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Firstly was the worst drive down to Manchester I've ever had (I blame my eldest neice who tagged along for the ride with us and my mum, she's jinxed!). Between people forgetting things, a crash on the M74 and overnight works shutting the M6, it took us 6 hours to get to Wythenshawe where we were staying. 

On the morning of the party I took Missy a nice walk and then we all got kitted up and made our way to help set up the party. Yep. We. Through inside contacts and a stretch of the truth of Missys status as a therapy dog, she came along as a real life houndour. I was a bit worried people would feel we were overindulgent about bringing her, but it was an absolute success. I have several wonderful photos of kids grinning away in gatherings about her, but I won't post them here on the Internet out of respect to the fact I don't have permission. 

The magic show went brilliantly. From Alakazams collapsing wooden spoon to pulling a scorbunny from a hat and a pokemon race that saw the birthday boy being the winner, it went great. The scorbunny was claimed by the birthday boy and I was pleased at a day well done. 

After that was a tidy up and a trip to the playpark before everyone, exhausted, ended up at my sisters for left over sandwiches and birthday cake. Nephew opened his pressies and I was delighted that the Espeon I made went down so well! Neice has commissioned. E for a female pikachu, so that's her birthday organised! Then we thieved off with some board games and introduced my eldest neice to Latice back at the Airbnb. 

Today was a meet up for the playpark and lunch before we set off back up the road. A short trip, but worth the effort. As I said to my hubby, it's days like this weekend that become core memories - this 6 year old pokemon party will be fondly remembered for thr longest time.

Missy is sleeping off her newfound fame (I often forget how smitten the extended family on that side are with her) and we're having a well deserved quiet evening ahead of work tomorrow.

Until next time - Gotta catch 'em all! 

A Viking Victory

It's been a very quick weekend! My brother dropped off Pouty McPoutface on Thursday before going off on his Eurovision adventures, and Maisie quickly settled into the routing. I think she's stayed with us enough times now that she knows the routine!

I had the girls over Thursday and, it being the first time they've met Maisie, I'm pleased to say that first impressions we're good! Friday was a relatively quiet day with us all working and then the weekend was upon us. 

So, originally my friend was meant to come along to Duncarron, but cancelled, then I asked another, who also cancelled. I was set to just go myself when hubby (who was working) suggested my nephew to help dog wrangling.

And so I went with my nephew who was pleased to have gotten out of a day hanging about his parents office bored. He gets in very well with Maisie, so was happy to wrangle her for us! We still took turns with the archery and the axe throwing and my nephew qualified for the competition. At 5ft 11, he was made to compete with the adults, and came joit second, so to say he was pleased is selling it short!

We paused the day to take a walk around the reservoir and let the dogs cool down and then we were back in the fort for more viking shenanigans. They had a best dressed viking competition, which I put Missy in for as a joke. The Viking who was doing the announcement broke character and nearly fell over laughing at Missy. Whilst she got the loudest cheer, the prize rightfully went to one of the children (although several people came up afterwards and told me they thought she should have won.)

And that was the day. All done. 

Sunday was a quiet one to recover. Much sewing was done and, whilst Maisie dislikes the overlocker, she allowed me to use the sewing machine. 

Then my brother arrived to pick up Maisie, filled me in on his Eurovision adventures and that was that.

A pretty good weekend. 

A Catch up for the Coronation

It's been... A bit up and down the last few weeks. So, I'll start at the beginning:

The ups? Caught up with friends and we've started a new campaign boardgame called the Animals of Baker Street. It's super cute aesthetically, it has a great game mechanic and we all love our characters. I'm really looking forward to working through the campaigns over the next few months! 

Hubby and I went to see The Ocean at the End of the Lane in the theatre, as a belated anniversary date. 

Just go. Go and see it. You will thank me. 

Then after that, my Manchester based sister managed a sneaky trip up for the bank holiday. She's had a lot in her plate, between the after effects of covid and ill health in the greater family, she really needed a break where she could hand over the car keys and put her feet up for two days. She wanted to have a quiet day at mine, and then spend the second one giving the wider family a surprise visit. 

I had the family come here, neice and nephew leapt out from under the table and there was delight all round. I showed them round the House of The Binns, which is where I'm planning my neices photoshoot of her prom dress.

Then sister went home, visiting Stumpy at the Five Sisters before leaving (I was in work at that point, jealous isn't a strong enough word!)

So, the downs? I'll start with the biggie - after the bug surprise get together, my mum messaged to say she had covid. So I've spent half the week as a headless chicken trying not to panic at all the vulnerable people I've been about. (My mum is fine, otherwise that would have been the primary concern!) 

No, back to the start. Missy injured her shoulder - nothing serious, but it's been short walks and bed rest for 3 weeks now, and she's getting frustrated. Her health behind the scenes isn't spectacular, but it's being monitored and I'll update when I know what's going on. The vets assure me it's nothing serious, but it's hard not to fret. 

Big sister is struggling with a full plate owing to I'll health in the wider family and her own health. Sound familiar? Unlike my other sister, big sister doesn't take time out for herself and then ends up off loading to you in a 2 hour long phone call. Every attempt to get her away from the house to have time to herself doing something she wants gets cancelled because of the family. 

Which included today. I did not intend to do very much with the Coronation today (we have my friends coming tomorrow with the neice and nephew to have a Coronation themed lunch), but I did want to do something a little more than being stuck in my same four walls again.

So I ended up having a sewing day and listened to the Coronation on the radio. It was a productive sewing day (grand unveil next week) and I got some magic props made for my nephews party. I cheered up in the end, but it's been an odd run for me.

Still, adventures are planned for next week when Missy should be fully recovered (she already is, but the vet said to give her a week longer than we feel she needs). We also have a certain little Pouty McPoutface coming for a girls weekend, so even if it all goes wrong, there's bound to be a funny story to tell!