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. 

Wee Bens Come to Visit

Its been a very quick weekend - mostly due to the arrival of Wee Ben who is going to be staying with us for a few days. My sisters family are taking her MIL up to Brechin for a few days and, owing to covid and everyone waiting to staycation, were unable to get a place that would allow dogs.

I'm working from home full time at the moment so I volunteered to have him. As a thank you, my BIL was round yesterday doing maintenance on some of my windows and the doors (I can now open and unlock the front door without aggressively wiggling the handle, so a definite win for me, though I regret not having it sorted sooner!). Him to-ing and fro-ing and a few dog walks completely filled in my Saturday.

Wont lie, last night was a bit of a challenge - he has seperation anxiety and my hope that Missy being dowstairs with him would mean that he would sleep fine down there didnt prove true. We persisted to ignore the barking and scratching at the bedroom door for an hour (and four trips to return him to his crate) before conceding defeat and putting his crate in our room. Which meant we also had to bring in Missys bed too. I'm a ridiculously light sleeper, so two dogs randomly shaking and turning around just served to keep me up most of the night.

That meant todays plan was to make sure I wore off his little socks so he might give sleeping downstairs a chance (will update you all on the success/failure of that next week!). I'd already organised a girls get together in Perth so Ben got to be an honorary girl for the day. I will say though, an extra dog is a lot of work and it took me ages this morning getting them both organised (thankfully Missys old harness fitted him, or we'd have had to brave putting him alone in the boot) and just simple things like having them both clipped into the car was suddenly a time consuming task.

It was the usual tag team of Brewdog followed by the Brew and Chew with a walk along North Inch in between and South Inch before going home. Missy was on top behaviour, which she is prone to do when with another dog. She's learned somewhere along the way that she gets far more attention by showing up her canine companions than trying to be naughty! For that I am very glad!

The three of us all took turns walking the different dogs and I think I may have convinced one of my friends that she really needs one in her life! It was a really nice day with a lot of chatting, good food (and glorious cake) and nice walking in the good weather. I couldnt have asked for a nicer day.

Both dogs are snoring now - so my objective of wearing them out seems to have been a success! 

Travelling in Time

 

Life is finally feeling like its going back to normal as this weekend saw the first outdoor event of the year - Travelling in Time at Duncarron Medieval Village. Ironically, the last outdoor event we got to was also at Duncarron and was the Viking and Saxon event.

I saw the event, spanning from 1600s to WW2 advertised online, and put out an open invite to the family - my mum was the first to volunteer to join me for the day. My older sister and older niece and nephew decided they would come too, but I wasn't to expect them until later in the day - the difference between her and myself can sometimes really astound me, I was legitimately there for the event opening. One of the bonuses of arriving so early was that there was plenty of time to talk to all the volunteers doing the re-enactments - we were even invited into the Soviet WW2 camp to get some nice photos with Missy! My Rosie the Riveter outfit also got a lot of compliments (which is funny as my mum clearly thought I was bonkers for getting dressed up, then once she realised that lots of the public had also dressed up, was telling anyone who spoke to us that I'd made my outfit myself!).

Firstly, we were lucky with the weather. Dry, but overcast so we didn't burn. Mild, but not too hot. Perfect for a day trip! The event itself was very well organised. Numbers were capped owing to covid, so even at the peak point of the day, it didn't feel particularly busy - but there was still enough people that it felt like an event. There was a central area where there was amongst other things, musket demonstrations, combat demonstrations and story telling. In all the tents, various people from throughout time were displaying their skills and professions - we learned about heraldry, saw a demonstration on Viking coin making and then spoke to a saxon taxman (cue the theatrical hissing).

There was a variety of stalls too; the dress up tent was very popular and we all did that once my sister and co arrived, there was a tent selling period footwear (my mother bought some historian boots and I very nearly took away a pair or beautiful green court shoes, but decided against them as I don't need more excuses for more sewing projects!). Talking of sewing, there was a fabric stall (I was good and only bought 3m of a beautiful herringbone wool), a leatherwork stall; buttons and jewellery and beads. All sorts of lovely things! Oh, and Bacon and Maple Jam - I was under orders from hubby to get another jar if the same folk from the Viking event were there! (and yes, I did get a jar, as well as a Rum Marmalade, hubby is happy).

Axe throwing and Archery were also available to try. The chap doing the axe throwing was brilliant, and after some coaching, managed to land and stick the axe on my third attempt (he joined me in my little victory jump!). I'll confess that I was more confident in the archery having had a lesson before, until I was handed a longbow. It clearly wasn't a real longbow as I managed to successfully draw the string correctly (the strength required on a real on is insane) and landed all three arrows on the target. Yes. I was rather smug about that, but my nephew stuck his second axe, and I had to win at something!

One of the nice things about these events is that they are super dog friendly. Missy was not left out at all. She was greeted by all the volunteers (who didn't bat an eyelid when I asked if they would pose with her for me) and other visitors. I always enjoy meeting other dog owners at these things to gush about how nice it is that the fur babies are welcome. Although I was concerned about Missy being stolen by a Saxon volunteer who was helping at the archery - she insisted she hold Missy for me whilst I was taking photos of the family. A quick glance and she was sat with Missy giving her all the cuddles and attention! A truly lovely day.

I'll part with one of my favourite moments, which was a passing conversation with the boy helping at the axe throwing;

Saxon Boy - "Is she friendly?"

Me - "Of course, your more than welcome to say hi to her - her names Missy."

Saxon Boy - (immediately on his knees giving her ear rubs and kisses) "What breed is she?"

Me - "She's a rescue, so we dont know - but I'm always open to guesses!"

Saxon Boy - "Jack Russel and something big, she looks a bit like a rottie or doberman, but that's too big."

Me - (stunned at Jack Russel, but thinking it would explain her murderous streak at small animals) "A lot of people guess Rottie and Collie."

Saxon Boy - (shrugs and skips to his feet). "Well, it don't matter, I think she's beautiful as she is." (skips away without a backwards glance).

Gotta admit, that warmed my soul quite a bit. Though I think the compliments have gotten to Missys head - she looks a little too comfortable in the Chieftains chair, don't you think?!

A Welsh Getaway

It's the moment we've been waiting for - our first real getaway of the year and my first holiday in Wales!

But let's rewind a little. 

So last year, mid pandemic, my sister was supposed to go to Wales. It was obviously cancelled and (mostly I suspect so they could keep the cash) she was offered a upgrade very cheaply to move the booking to 2021. Said upgrade meant an extra room and a dog friendly option and so we were invited to help with the child wrangling and have a proper chance to hang out and catch up (within guidelines, of course).

Sunday we commenced the 6 hour drive. Missy has recently been upgraded from travelling in the boot to on the back seats these days (safely harnessed, of course). With the heat, that was definitely a good idea as she got to enjoy the AC with us and we started our road trip.

Our main stop on the way down was a small detour to the Wirral

Ren is going to be a big brother to a baby of the human variety, so we were excited to see my friend. Owing to her being pregnant, we kept it very covid safe and stayed outside (thankfully the good weather made that a pleasant experience!). After a nice walk, we were back in the car ready to surprise our neice and nephew (7 and 4).

Llamagedon had begun!

Neice and nephew had figured out we were coming to surprise them, so we had to up our game and launched the alpacalypse for them to wake up to. Needless to say, I think my sister was the most smitten of them all!

Monday was spent enjoying the park facilities. We took neice and nephew swimming whilst Missy got to spend quality time with her aunt and uncle. The evening was rounded up with a good run around on the beach for Missy.

Not a bad first day to ease into things!

Tuesday had been earmarked as a big adventure - tiny trains at Llanberis Railway. Due to Covid they aren't operating the usual hop-on-hop-off, so we had prebooked a coach in advance. On the train ride we clocked a castle in the distance and decided that, after lunch, we'd go for a walk and check it out.

Dolbadarn Castle was an unexpected hidden gem. We had spotted the sign for the castle walk in the car park and decided that a nice stroll in the woodlands was just what we needed. Imagine our surprise when 5 minutes later we found the castle - our earlier sighting was less a castle far in the distance, and more a very small castle in the relatively near distance! 

The kids enjoyed both parts of the day, so I chalk that as a good success! 

Wednesday we took to ourselves as a doggy day. The weather, whilst still very warm, was damp and less sunny, which suited us all better.

I had scoped out Coed Y Brenin before the trip. Part of the Snowdonia National Park, it offered a chance to see some stunning scenery whilst staying in a clearly marked path. We did the red Cain Waterfall walk which, at two hours, was ideal. It was listed as "strenuous" on the board, and I agreed with the description as we climbed up steep slopes and scurried down shale paths.

Afterwards we enjoyed a well deserved cup of tea and some cakes in the cafe. A glorious way to spend a morning. 

We went dragon racing in the afternoon. Our red dragon against my sisters green dragon. My sister can be a little anxious about water, but we managed to talk her into it. The kids had little life preservers, so everyone was quite safe as we set off. 

Missy was quite happy to sit and keep watch for pirates and other dragons. 

There was a bit of drama we had to tow another family off the edge who had managed to beach themselves! 

Our last big adventure was another family day out at Sygun Copper Mine. In preparation for a dark and scary walk, we put Missy in her bright coat and I gave both the kids a torch each. Missy originally took the lead but was defeated by the steep metal stairs mid way through. Hubby resorted to carrying her up and she sulkily conceded defeat. 

There was well deserved Cornish Pasties and tea in the cafe at the end. 

We finished the day with a mooch around Porthmadog and all tried our best to delay the inevitable about the fact that the holiday was over.

A tremendously good week, and we're already putting plans together for another cross over holiday next year.