And That's the End of the 2023 Season

Well, it all sort of fell apart at the end there - this year certainly wasn't going to go easy on me!

Since the last post we went to the Beecraigs Festival of lights, hosted Friendmas, then we had our liverpudlian friends stay with us, complete with Ren:

After that was the home run to Christmas. Well, it should have been, I was drafted last minute to sew curtains for the eldest sister. Her MIL (which, seeing as I was 10 when she turned up in my life is really a bonus grandparent at this point) is very unwell so is moving in with my sisters family until she's ready to move on to whatever the next adventure is. This meant a very last minute, very urgent refit of the conservatory and a lot of hemming needing done. A lot. 

Of course, muggins showed up trying to save the day armed with the sewing machine and presents.... And promptly face planted as soon as I was out the car. Downplaying my new war wounds, the curtains were fixed and I hoped that karma was gonna be on my side for a little bit. 

Did I mention that was the Thursday and we were flying the Saturday? 

We finally ticked Christmas at Disneyland Paris off the bucket list. My good dead paid off as, despite my knee looking like a bruised grapefruit, everything went smoothly. Flights on time. Taxis on time. Got booked into the hotel no problem. It went perfectly.

We followed the American tradition and gave out gifts to all the staff on Christmas day... Which totally isn't a thing in Paris. St Nick was looking down in us though as our merry gift giving was met with absolute shock and delight from the cast. So much so that we were gifted with some complimentary fast passes from the lovely crew at the train station - we absolutely did not expect any kind of reciprocation to the key chains we gave out, so we were absolutely dumbstruck to be pulled aside and handed them.

Honest thoughts? If you just want to go for the season, go at the start of the month as it was heaving. If you want to be crazy and try and start a new tradition giving out cards, then go for it. That's what made the day actually feel like Christmas to us. 

Missy was not forgotten - she had a midweek break being spoiled at our friends. We had sent her off with a mystery stocking and really did appreciate the photos of her "opening" it. 

Then it was home and here we are. Hubby is back to work (the joys of retail) and I've been catching up on sewing and generally trying to recharge my very much exhausted batteries. 

Talking sewing, hubby was very unimpressed with the Wish merchandise. We had a tremendously wonderful meet and greet with Asha, the main protagonist, and he wanted Star. But the only Stars available were either ginormous, or hard and not very snuggly. So I present to you, my first attempt at designing my own embroidery pattern for the face, Star:

Is he a bit too chubby? Yes. Is he a bit wonky and out of proportion? Absolutely. Does he look like he's wearing a onsie? Yes, although I don't understand how. But am I chuffed to bits with it, and more importantly, is hubby? Yes. So all is well. 

On that note, I hope you all have a lovely festive season. I'd also like to wish you all a happy New Year and most importantly, I wish you all a 2024 that offers you no more than can fit on your plate. I am done hoping for "my year" and so I merely ask that it be one with trials I can cope with with dignity and grace.

As is tradition, I raise my cup of tea to you all. I hope the chapter can be cleanly closed on 2023 with the happy moments at the front of it, and that 2024 offers many more to you. 

Santa Paws is Coming to Town

I mean, we all know which ones on the nice list and which ones on the naughty list!

This weekend we had not one, but two trips to see Father Christmas. The first one my brother insisted we book back in September which was the official Grotto experience at Dobbies. That was tremendous fun as we arrived early enough to bump into the back if the previous slot, so we were in a lovely queue of dogs all in thier Christmas jumpers.

Maisie was clearly keen to impress as she bravely put up with bring in hers whilst Missy got lots of attention as the cutest one in a llama jumper as both hubby and I wore ours. Cringy. Maybe. But dud we make a lot of people smile? Absolutely. Which makes it all worthwhile. 

After a stop at the Dobbies cafe for breakfast (it would have been rude not to! ) we headed over to Jollyes for thier 1 year anniversary party, featuring (you've guessed it) Santa Paws!

He was clearly feeling more energetic after a morning cuddling dogs - we were treated to a sing along and stories before being given chocolates. 

Not a bad wee day! 

Sunday was a sewing day. I had completed the last of the Christmas sewing on Thursday and was pleased to get on with a different project. A pair of bride and groom sloths are slowly coming together (no pun intended) and I'm pleased with how they have turned out so far.

I had Maisie again so my brother could push on with his Xmas shopping and then I picked up hubby from work and we went along to the Beecraigs Festival of Light with my older sister, BIL and nephew. To say it's been a year for my poor sister is an understatement and truth be told, I think she really needed the distraction. Hubby and I were running about with out nephew and generally being upbeat and silly, who resulted in some of the nicest photos of my nephew taken this year! My sister held an owl and hubby got his photo with "Weegie Olaf" at "Freezin" and Anna and Elsa too.

My sister lamented about not being able to bring the dogs, but thats the way it is, the event was far too busy to drag a poor dog about in. 

And I'm sure Missy was pleased for the quiet evening. She was beat after a weekend putting up with her cousin (who we were shocked to learn had made it onto the nice list, she clearly smuggled some cookies in that jumper) and was sound asleep when we eventually got home.

All in all, a fan wee weekend. 

And there's more Christmas fun to come! 

Until next week! 

Swiftly Moving Through December

After a giid year for updates, I've rather fallen at the last hurdle. December has always been a ridiculously busy month and 2023 is no exception. 

Last weekend was spent playing board games and watching anime with my nephew who had come to stay and this week the beds have had the in laws in them.

I really must start charging as a b and b! 

I've been managing to fit in some nice walks, although the weather has definitely changed for the worst. Friday night brought in - 6C and today has been nothing but torrential rain. Fortunately Missy dislikes the rain as much and me, so it was a short afternoon walk! 

And thats the updates. This week is quiet as far as weeks go and the focus is finishing Christmas crafts. But it's not all work and no play - keep an eye out this weekend for a special day planned for Missy! 

Until then! 

In Quiet Remembrance

Been off grid a bit these last few weeks. There's been a lot going on socially, which is something I will never complain about - it's good to have friends who want to see you.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that after the Halloween shenanigans, things didn't ease up any and so I found myself on the Remembrance day weekend with Maisie in tow just having a quiet one. Hubby has self diagnosed Man-Flu which I have now successfully caught, though of a weaker strain. The work of the flu jab which I got privately through work, or better genetics? I'll let you decide.

Either way, my significant apathy was explained when I woke up with aching kidneys and my voice an octave lower.

Despite the frosty starts to the morning, the weather was kind for Maisies visit. She was a star pupil as always and ate all her food, including the dreaded lamb. (Backstory, once a month or so my Brother gives me a dozen sachets of lamb dog food. Apparently Maisie will eat the chicken, turkey and beef, but will not eat lamb for him. Financially it's still cheaper for him to buy the multipack, and so Missy gets the lamb). Well, you guessed it. I didn't have anything but the lamb in jelly (she also won't eat gravy) and the madame gobbled it all up and almost beat Missy to be the first to finish.

I'm fairly convinced she has my Brother trained at the point! 

And that was the weekend. There was much crafts (the Xmas deadline is approaching) and the hubby and I powered through Ms Marvel. It was good, but you won't be hooked till episode 4.

And this week has been a misadventure in DIY. The time line was fairly tight to begin with, but throw in us both having colds and getting the hallway skirting painted and a carpet put in has become a true quest. (Spoiler, we did not manage the carpet, however, all the prep has been done, so halfway there).

So. Remembrance. 

I will warn you now that its gonna get soppy.

This weekend we three sisters boarded planes to go see our Dad. As I've said before, he's unwell and we have an indeterminate time left of him being the dad we remember. His big wish was to have all 4 of his daughters together again. Yep. Another sibling. Though really more a cousin at this point - a nine year age gap and only seeing them twice a year until you were 14 kinda stops a relationship forming. There's no menace in it. It is what it is. So I've been orchestrating that behind my dad's back for a while now - let me tell you, whilst sibling 4 had the right idea of wouldn't a surprise be wonderful, I'd been having kittens that someone somewhere else was gonna double book him. So last week, on the eve of Remembrance day when I know my dad was hurting that he couldn't attend the parade, his wife let the cat out the bag. If nothing else, knowing the lift he got from that, it was worth the low key anxiety I've had for literal months.

I am very pleased to say that the visit was perfect. My dad was like a peacock strutting about in absolute delight. There was lots of photos. Lots of food. He had got us all Christmas presents and insisted we open them (I'm not entirely sure he's ever forgiven us for growing up, it ruined Christmas for him) and he grinned like the Cheshire Cat all day. It was lovely to see him so happy. We had all been anxious about the what ifs and the maybes and honestly, everyone out preformed themselves on best behaviour.

Except the dogs - but that's because Missy wasn't there to keep them in their place! (Seriously, Jock, the very grumpy daschund took one look at me and barked the house down. I clearly haven't been forgiven yet for bringing Missy into his home!)

And thats a wrap. It was a whirlwind day yesterday and I for one am knackered. Missy has been most unimpressed with the cold and damp weather of late and has rather enjoyed our quiet day today cuddled on the sofa quietly crafting.

So, as I do each year, I will silently raise my mug of tea in thanks and remembrance. Not just to those we remember each year in November, but also to everyone we hold dear. 

Till next time

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

So yeah, it's November. Not sure how that happened! 

Well, I do. I spent last week with my head down being very busy with work, having a friend staying over and blitzing through a speed run to build my latest ensemble:

Y'all, I was the wickedest witch. I got to scare the absolute pants off of grown men and women during the special Halloween ghost tours at the House of the Binns. Hearing a legit adult stall and mutter the gloriously Scottish "Aw, Hell naw" was an utter delight. 

Seeing as I'm normally as frightening as a kitten caught short in it's litter box, I was legitimately concerned about being cast as the witch. When I volunteered to help, I thought I was gonna be collecting tickets, or waving folk into parking spaces, not creeping about like an extra from the Ring. 

But where's the hat I hear you cry? I did get to don it at the Steam and Scream event in Bo'ness:

I mean, hubby said it made me look like Granny Weatherwax, but if you know who she is then I take that as a compliment! 

After all that, I was too beat for anything else. Missy doesn't much care for Halloween, after the 5th set of kids guising, shes fed up and goes to bed. So I think she rather enjoyed the series of lie ins that we had, and the early morning cuddles in bed. And that brings us to this weekend.

We continued on the Halloween theme with our good friends coming over with the twins for a late Halloween party yesterday. This was followed by a dash into town to see Aladdin in the theatre (amazing) before getting home far too late. 

So today was a nice calm day. Missy has enjoyed the respite from the storms this weekend and was playing with all the boys this morning before my brother turned up to drop off Maisie for a sleepover. 

Pouty does not like fireworks. To her they are evil. They are sneaky and scary and bad. And she absolutely should not be left alone with them chapping on the window and door - with my brother working nights, it was inevitable and I volunteered to have her over.

Between Missys absolutely apathy of them, Classic Fms curated Pet Classics play list and a steady stream of distractions, she's doing OK. Maisie isn't her usual cheery self, but she hasn't tried to hide under the sofa, or make any use of the nest built for her, so I'm gonna call that a successful endeavour. 

Until next week! 

A Spooky Pause

It's been a crazy run but it's been epic. But first, the photoshoot we did a few weekends back:

Of course I had to do the viral dog photoshoot. I saw it and knew Missy would happily put up with a sheet over her head if there was enough bribery involved! We decided to go to Dechmont, the old insane asylum, with the purpose of getting nice photos and it's sad that every time we go, the construction has crept in and it's smaller and smaller. 

And we did the photoshoot. Missy got all the biscuits. Hubby got enough footage that there's even a tiktok and we had a lovely day which really go us in the mood for the spooky shenanigans planned for the month. 

What spooky shenanigans you ask? 

Halloween in Disneyland Paris!

It was just me and my sister this run. Dressed as alternate Cheshire Cats (me in pink and she in blue - when the post comes up about the outfits she made I'll pop a link here) and it was a blast. There was a lot of travel drama - trains being cancelled, planes being mislaid and flights being delayed, but we got there and it was amazing. The characters loved the outfits, we had some amazing wild meet and greet moments, and overall would 100% do again. 

One brief highlight was our Cruella meet and greet:

Cruella striding about with her handlers barely able to keep up with her, clocks us and grinds to a halt. 

Cruella: Did you make those yourselves? 

Me: (indicates sibling) All hand knit! 

Cruella: (grabs hold of one hand of each of us and tows us along) I'm in need of new minions since Horace and Jasper left - how does that sound to you both?  Join me as fashion designers?. 

Me: We'd be honoured! 

Cruella: but I prefer dogs. And spots.

Me: Oh, of course, cats are so last season! 

Sibling: (cogs finally catching up after being utterly overwhelmed) totally last season - spots are definitely coming in.... 

We spotted her again later and she asked for a progress report on the dog hunt, which just added to the hilarity of the day. 

But, alas, no rest for the wicked, it's back at work with a very busy run of more spooky fun booked! 

So I'll leave you all be with one last photo of Missy being adorable:

Picking Pumpkins

I have tried for a few years now to go pumpkin picking somewhere dog friendly to absolutely no avail. They're either sold out of time slots, or they aren't actually dog friendly. This year, as swathes of cute pups perched atop pumpkins filled my feed, a horrible thought dawned on me, clearly I'd missed it again. The gourd had sailed. My hopes we're squashed.

And it was my mums birthday weekend and I needed to find something dog friendly that wouldn't freak Ren out. I won't lie. I spent far too long go ogling an ever wider circle of pumpkin patches before I struck upon South Ardbennie Farm.

I know it seems odd, pumpkins for birthdays, but firstly, the double dog situation, secondly, what I was really offering my mum was an autumn photoshoot with a prize pumpkin to carve later in the month with the grandkids. And I'm pleased to say that, with the sun out and the wind (mostly) keeping away, the weather was perfect and she was delighted. 

The Facebook Post was already up before I'd gotten home after dropping her off! 

Ren had had a... Moment earlier in the week. Hubby watching the wrestling with his friends online and Ren went into an absolute spiral. Shibas, or at least this one, don't display thier anxiety in the usual way. I honestly thought he was pacing about because he needed the bathroom and, when that failed and he was bored playing rug if war with me, that he had reached the mid-stay I'm gonna push boundaries stage. We'd certainly had that in the morning when he snuck into the bedroom and I found him casually draped over my pillow. So when he decided to hide under the bed, I thought he was acting the goat again until he snarled and tried to bite me.

Let me tell you. We decided it best to leave him there as he was clearly frightened. I did not sleep a wink that night. I had a literal monster under the bed. 

Until the morning. The sun came up and he was bright and cheery and his delightful self.

We messaged his pawrents in the morning and they said that they had suspected crowd noises being a problem, and they apologised. Why do I mention this? Because I think it's important that people realise that taking on a second dog just because they have one already is super easy, and it isn't. 

Apparently grandpaw is one of those types that scream at the TV when the footy is on, so Ren, being in a new and weird place, panicked. It's not his fault for snapping whilst being scared, and we now know what to look for as his anxiety signs, so no harm, no foul. He deserves leniency and was quickly forgiven.  

We doubled down our efforts to make sure he had a nice stay with us, hence today being about the dogs. 

And absolutely no more wrestling for the week! 

He gets picked up tomorrow and, whilst they get on well, I do think Missy will be pleased to get her routine back! 

That's all for this week, see you next!