Mimi up or Down?

Yesterday was National Dog Friendly Day and that meant that Missy and I just had to go out somewhere. Hubby's shifts, and other commitments of friends, meant it was a solo adventure for just us girls. So what did we do? Went and found something really girly to look at!

Jupiter Artland Officially unveiled its latest art piece: Rachel Macleans "upside Mimi Mimi Down" (with the Mimi down being upside down, curse the limited font options!). I'll be honest in that I hadn't read about it (I like to see an art peice and come to my own conclusion before seeing what the artist was aiming for) but had seen photos of a brightly coloured cartoon, banks of pink and blue doll boxes and, on the outside, an upside down toy shop. Looked awesome, right? 

I should have read about it. 

It's tucked away in a tiny woodland cluster and, after getting some shots of Missy chilling at the poolside (such a difference the sun coming out made to the colours!), I asked for directions and was told that a lot of people were really mixed about it. 

Huh, OK. Was I interested in going to the 2pm talk about body dismorphia and suicide? Oh, uh, I have a fence getting fitted, I only have an hour, but thank you all the same.

Dont get me wrong, I know people who are trans, who have had eating disorders, who have thought about and even tried to commit suicide, it's a subject that's important to me, I just genuinely didn't have time. And they were unsure about Missy going and it was already 20C, so absolutely no way was she being left in the car. 

Shrugging it off as a pandemic induced discussion, I went on my way and found an avenue of little hearts set into the ground. Perfect. Girly. Cutsie. Just what I wanted for some sweet photos.

We skipped up the path of pink hearts and found a sign, stating that the video contained upsetting scenes and strobe lights. Oh. But... Oh. Suddenly that invite made sense. I looked up what was now a foreboding path to the little shop. 

There was a lady in a Jupiter Artland poloshirt enjoying the sun by the door. I was given the same warning as the sign and, after being told Missy was allowed in, I donned my mask and crept into the strange little store... 

And lasted long enough to get the photo shown below. 

So, was it the subject matter? No. It was certainly uncomfortable to watch, but I'd seen similar art house things. Was it the strobing lights? Nope. Did Missy not like it? She wasn't happy about the stone floor, but nope. Alas, my clown phobia kicked in. Mimi is a puppet like Punch and Judy. I was in a room, full of said doll, one half garish and brightly coloured, the other burned away, black and white, gnarled and witch like. There she was, an on screen giant before me.

I looked at Missy who wagged her tail and whined for a treat, clearly indicating that she was not amused at the situation and required bribery if I wished to stay.

We left. 

I intend to watch the video on my next visit, but will do so from the outside and through the window. At that point however I made polite niceties, completely blamed Missy on why I hadn't stayed, and booked it out of there.

I decided to cheer myself up by looking at the crying girl statues:

So, yeah. When I say phobia, I mean that clowns make me inherently uncomfortable. I can watch them at the circus (albeit well away from ringside) but all the comedy is marred by my own unease at thier being there. I'll be honest, I haven't watched IT, purely because I don't want to make my phobia worse. 

Still, that was unlike me. I though about the run up to going in, the weird "lots of people are mixed about it", the content of the lecture, the warnings, the repeated warnings. No wonder I was anxious before I even went in! 

Next time, Mimi, I get you next time.

We finished the walk in the sunshine and, deciding it was getting too hot for Missy, I made my way to the car. I got a message saying the fence was about done and made my way home. I won't share photos of it, but I absolutely love the new fence/driveway gates. It completely cheered me up and, after much profuse thank yous to the workmen, I went to the back garden, enjoyed my new privacy and repotted almost 100 tomato plants.

Anyone want a tomato plant? 

We had friends over for homemade pizza that evening, Missy was given all the cuddles for the "scary dollies" and we all had a good laugh. And today, my mum popped round and I did some sewing jobs for her before we enjoyed another glorious day in the garden.

Creepy dolls aside, it's been a good weekend. And I'm feeling more confident in the world and my future adventures.

A Busy Weekend

I say weekend, we all crashed and burned today, so it was really just a busy Friday/Saturday! We clearly aren't used to socialising anymore! 

So Friday was a long overdue promise to my eldest neice (16) to do some baking lessons. She's doing cake baking and decorating next year in school (why was I never offered a subject like that?) and wanted to build up her confidence on baking before starting the subject in a few weeks. 

I decided to keep it simple and went with chocolate covered cupcakes and empire biscuits:

I think we did pretty well! (and yes, they do taste as good as they look!) 

Afterwards we made vegetable soup and then we dropped her off. A quick 2 second hello turned into a few hour catch up and it was far too late when we got home to bed! 

Saturday I met up with friends for lunch and a dog walk and, despite our order being thoroughly messed up, we had a lovely time whilst Missy enjoyed the sun and slept. 

Then we saw different friends for a low key flat warming, even though they've been in the property almost 18 months now! 

Another very late night. 

This was Missy this morning after her walk:

Hubby and I felt this was a brilliant idea and decided to just have a quiet day and get some small jobs sorted around the house. 

Just a short post again, except to say that next week is National Dog Friendly day, I'm going to have to get my thinking cap on and organise something fun with Missy to celebrate the day! 

Now the main question is do we try somewhere new, or do I support somewhere we already love? 

At the Starting Line

Missy is excited about all the adventures set to unlock from tomorrow (covid willing), don't let the picture fool you!

It's been a week. 

On top of a busy online schedule, we've had a super busy week IRL. 

We had booked Stirling Castle for the  Monday weeks ago, planning a nice date day for just the hubby and I. Following Missy and her combined ear infection and cracked pad, I was reluctant to go out and leave her. We'd already booked her in with the dog walker (who was happy to swap it to a house visit), but I still felt absolutely guilt ridden. 

We got there in good time and made things worse for ourselves by pointing all the places we had previously walked Missy when travelling through for a big adventure up north. 

However, once we got into the castle, we did start to really enjoy ourselves. We had organised for the audio tour (which you now just download to your phone) but had no need of it as there were more staff than visitors, each eager to share the history and stories of the castle. 

The tapestrys were by far the most outstanding thing for me (followed by the wooden heads. I can't explain them, they need to be seen to be believed). A lot of the castle is shut because of Covid, but we still had a great day and were home in time for Missys very slow, very short, afternoon walk. 

Wednesday is typically reserved for role play in the evening. We cancelled it as our friend (who we consider ourselves having adopted after she ended up living with us during the December mini lockdown, and have helped through a multitude of new home teething disasters) had received bad news. As we share a bubble, we bullied her to come to ours and made sure she had plenty of food and ice-cream before she went home. 

I had to get blood tests Thursday. Had a rebleed on the drive home. I was officially over with the day before 10am, and worked an extra 30 minutes for the privilege. (Nothing of concern, got my iron levels checked and it confirmed what we knew, that I'm border line anaemic.) 

Friday was a virtual get together under better circumstances. I shan't share details, but a grand adventure is in the works. 

Saturday was supposed to be a quiet day in followed by visiting our aforementioned friend to help her build a wardrobe (I honestly had never been more excited for a DIY party!). Then it turned into one of those days were one job led to another to another and I found myself with the house even more upside down than it had started and longer to do list. Just as I gave up and sat down to listen to a podcast and stitch my newest project, my phone rang. 

Big sis. Her dog, Wee Ben, had a splinter. He was being super anxious and snappy about it and they were too scared to get it out themselves. 

I looked at the clock. I had to get hubby in half an hour. Then it was the DIY party. Sod them, I wouldn't leave a dog in pain. 

I rang hubby, messaged my friend and made it clear to big sis that I had arrangements, so she had to come to me quickly. 

They arrived swiftly and I looked at the patient. Yep. A giant splinter. Firmly held against me with my elbow, I lifted the paw and pulled the offending article out with only a whimper. BIL was impressed, and mortified his dog wouldn't allow him to do such a simple thing. 

Missy watched from the sofa, clearly glad that, for once, she wasn't the one receiving medical attention. I'm sure I saw a smug glimmer in her eye as I washed that paw with doggy disinfectant, a drama we've endured twice a day all week. 

After much thank yous, they shared with me the quote of £160 that they had been given by the emergency vet. So I have a take out promised to me! Looking at the splinter after they left, I did have to wonder why he never pulled it out himself, it wasn't embedded into the pad, but the fleshy bit between the toes. I suppose I'm just used to a dog that will chew off her own torn dew claw than let me take her to the vets (yes, it was chewed off by the time I booked the appointment). Either that or King Charles Spaniels have no survival instinct! 

Hubby was dropped off by a colleague, we got to our friends and we built a wardrobe. Missy thoroughly checked it for a doorway to Narnia, but alas, no such adventure awaited us. 

Today was different friends, our very good ones with the twins. The kids were super excited to be somewhere different and we had nerf fights and played football and Frisbee. There was hot dogs and pumpkin pie (a homemade treat brought by our guests) and, best of all, lots of laughter. There was a small meltdown at the end when I couldn't promise we'd see them next week, but I did promise it wouldn't be so long a wait until we all saw each other again. 

A last update, as you can see the boys are doing well. Whilst still hand shy, they are happy to come out the cage, have a wee fly about and put themselves back in. Missy is still completely ambivalent:

Let's hope next week is a bit smoother! 

An Odd Week

The weather has been frightful this week. Snow, sleet and giant hailstones. Stormy winds and lashing rain. Bright sunshine and clear blue skies.

All in one day, in some cases!

So it's been a relatively quiet week. She saw the polling station twice (and was thoroughly unimpressed at the lack of canine representation on the ballot paper) and from there its been business as usual. She's also collecting ouchies this week, we have an ear infection (trying to syringe her ear twice daily is not fun) and a cracked pad (so washing the paw twice daily and short walks on grass). Poor thing doesn't know what's hit her, she hates all this fussing!

There's been plenty of cuddles and TLC however, so she is quite happy (between ear cleans and pawdicures).

Been busy getting on with crafts, I murdered my second sewing machine (just as its warranty expired!) so decided to invest in a heavy duty one. Its a juggernaut, but I love it already as its weight easily stands up against the pull of my larger projects.

Whilst not my current quilt, I can finally show off this beauty which was a very late Christmas gift to my sister! 

Just a short one this week, gotta keep Missy well rested - we had some really grand adventures getting lined up this year, so she needs to be in good shape for them! 

Lowther Castle

The border is officially open and today marked the great border dash, and a brand new adventure for all of us: Lowther Castle. Not only was it a new adventure, but I got to see my sister for the first time in 8 months, the castle being a perfect 2 hour drive for us both - ideal for day tripping. 

I shall be quick: whilst we managed to refrain from tears, it was a close call. My emotional cup is full, her cup is full and everything in the world looks a bit brighter and I'm feeling more optimistic for the future. Now, onto the day;

Lowther Castle is an odd attraction, built in the 19th Century and demolished in the 1950s, it was left desolate for years. Then it was transformed. There is something for everyone, ruins, gardens within gardens, wildlife aplenty and, a big hit with the kids, one of the biggest adventure playgrounds I have ever seen. With the exception of the adventure playground, dogs are permitted across the site (and being honest, Missy would not have wanted to step a paw amongst the bustling children - strolling through rock gardens and endless rows of daffodils are far more her style). I always find it interesting how differently I look at a place when I go with neices and nephews (7 and 3 in this case) - ordinarily we wouldn't have ventured near the playground, but here we were taking turns to frantically chase a giggling child determined to find every zip wire and slide. 

Due to Covid, the exhibition about the castle was shut, as was the shop and the cafe was doing take away only. They also asked we only have one adult per child in the playground. All of which was fair enough - the outside tables were plenty and most had umbrellas up (although we were fortunate that the weather was dry).

Outside of the playground (by far the most popular thing for the kids) there was plenty to see and do around the gardens. Each area has a unique feel, from wildflower meadows, an avenue of tree swings, stone gardens and finely cultivated rose gardens. Ponds and fountains, weird and wonderful statues and ornate stair cases that led to nowhere. Before we knew it, we had burned through 4 hours and exhausted both kids. 

If we had been staying locally (and I've pencilled it in for a revisit on my next lakes holiday) we would have ventured across the wider estate where there was more ruins and folk were out enjoying the bank holiday weekend on bikes. I could have easily spent an entire day there. However, there was a 2 hour drive home to go and my hubby was exhausted from his first proper week back at work. 

It's been a good week all told, a few dog walks with my brother who had some annual leave and, despite being tired, hubby has been in a better place too. Here's hoping for a better run for the rest of the year! 

Going with the Tide

It's been a hectic few weeks with the lockdown restrictions easing across Scotland - it feels almost like a second Christmas I've had so many gifts to drop off!

This weather this weekend couldn't have been better for outdoor meets. Sunny and bright but with a brisk breeze, perfect for long walks. And we have walked a lot this weekend: firstly a proper catch up with one of my friends in Edinburgh as we rambled around the Water of Leith and the canal before stopping for lunch (the biggest bacon and egg roll you've ever seen, and a very nice raspberry brownie). Although we've kept on contact online, it was nice to be out and just enjoying the morning. We're hoping to get to Perth next month and then we three (4, we must include Missy) girls can have a proper catch up. 

After that, we parted ways and I stopped in to see my mum and eldest neice. My brother had popped round too, so Missy and Maisie enjoyed some doggy sunbathing together. It was good to catch up with my neice without her mother about, she's now 16 and her interests and hopes for the future have begun to deviate from the path her mother wants, so it was good to see what she's thinking and give her some advice from my own experiences of school and beyond. After my brother headed off, we went for a short walk and Missy was more than ready for bed.

Hubby is back in work now and, whilst he's rightly anxious about Monday, it's been good for him to have a solid purpose again. He was starting to get frustrated with the world, so I'm pleased things are becoming more normal again. With hubby going back to work, I suggested we took the opportunity to get up to Dundee to see an old friend of his that we haven't seen since the New Year that we welcomed in 2020.

We decided to go to Broughty Ferry and walk the beach before the bathing season kicks in and dogs aren't permitted on it. Missy isn't much of a beach dog, and her favourite part of the day was the very short walk through the nature reserve. It was really nice to see our friend in person - he's previously struggled with his mental health, so it was good to actually see him and know that he's doing OK.

Broughty Ferry also means Visocchis Ice Cream, and, walking along the promenade in good company, seeing hubby truly happy whilst Missy and I trailed behind and enjoyed the sun, the world feels like it's coming back to rights.

I shan't say too much, lest I jinx things, but the trend of good meets and long awaited get togethers are set to continue through the May day weekend. So, I'll raise an ice cream to the slow unlock, the long awaited get togethers, and here's hoping we don't have to do it again.

Seeking UFOs in Dechmont

Its been a quick week. Firstly, allow me to introduce Missys new siblings:

Meet Rowntree, Cadbury and Fry (L-R). They are not the whim they seem to be as hubby and I have discussed keeping birds for years and, looking into ideas for my eldest nephew who has decided he wants a pet, I found these three seeking a new home. They were with the SSPCA and their previous owner had passed away.

Its no secret that the SSPCA is bursting at the seams with unwanted animals, but I was still shocked at the speed we got these guys. I filled in the application Monday (kudos to the SSPCA, the questionnaire was very focused on life after covid, they don't want these poor animals coming back) and two hours later they called asking for a letter saying the vets were able to accept them and that they wanted to see a video of the set up. So, I purchased the cage and emailed the vets.

Tuesday we got the OK from the vets. Wednesday the cage arrived and we assembled it (its a flight cage, I was panicking it wasn't big enough for three budgies but, seeing the boys in it, realise my fear was completely unfounded). Thursday morning I sent the video in and at 10.30, half an hour after the rehoming office opened, we were officially approved and could we take them today? 3.30pm and they were in the cage, startled and a bit bewildered, but safe.

Missy on Thursday was obsessed. She watched them with great interest, although not in a predatory way - I've seen her stalk enough rabbits and squirrels to know when that instinct has come to play. Anf on Friday she couldn't care less, choosing to sunbathe in the window rather than see them. An arrangement that suits me fine. They sit in my office with me and have already delighted half my colleagues with their chirping. Once they are out of their shells a little bit, expect more updates on them!

And a note on names, yes, chocolates. Not just chocolates, but the original British Quaker families who I consider the founding fathers of chocolate as we know it. 

In other news, I couldnt risk Missy feeling left out, and so we scoped out some new and interesting walks. We had visited a friend who I needed to measure up for a waistcoat (goodness knows what his neighbours thought, us all in masks in the garden and me with a measuring tape!) who recommended the UFO walk. I've been in West Lothian almost 8 years now and had never heard of it - proof that you never know every secret in your area!

The Dechmont UFO walk was the perfect way to start the day this morning. The story goes that, on November 9th, 1979, Robert Taylor, a forestry worker, walked along a forest path up the side of Dechmont Law with his dog. He reported seeing what a "flying dome" above the forest floor in a clearing about 500m away from his truck. He was then seized by small spheres that dragged him away until he lost consciousness. Sceptics think it was an epileptic seizure, but lets not let that get in the way of a good story.

Regardless of the history of the area, it was a lovely woodland walk - just the kind of place that Missys like best. It was good to see her running ahead of us and sniffing out rabbits. We didn't climb Dechmont Law, deciding to save that for another day, and have added it to the roster of local walks to do with friends and family.

Its just begun to snow. It feels more early March than near mid April!